The strategy setting out the UK’s energy independence that will accelerate massively renewable energies was released this month. Following the IPCC report “Climate Change 2022: Mitigation of Climate Change”, the plan called British Energy Security Strategy prioritizes homegrown power for greater energy reliance.
Under the new strategy, 95% of the country’s electricity would come from renewable projects by 2030 – ahead of the government’s existing climate pledge. Combined with other net zero policies announced by Boris Johnson, they would be driving $130 billion (£100 billion) into the renewables sector.
The plan reaffirmed the UK government’s previous commitment to delivering 4 carbon capture clusters by 2030 to support reaching its net zero target and industrial decarbonization. The Carbon Capture and Storage Association – the trade association promoting the commercial deployment of carbon capture as an essential solution also welcomed the government actions.
“As the IPCC concluded in their report this week, if we are to meet Paris Agreement goals and avoid stranded energy assets, CCUS is crucial,” said Olivia Powis, Head of UK Office, CCSA.
Relevant: UK Moves Ahead With Carbon Capture Policy
The plan includes ramping up solar and wind energy – the installed solar capacity in the country is 14 GW but the government will increase it fivefold by 2035. Wind capacity should spike to 50 GW by 2030 which is enough to power all British households. The current capacity is 5 GW for offshore wind and 14 GW for onshore wind projects.
Under the new strategy, the country will accelerate nuclear energy – eight new nuclear reactors will be built by 2050, tripling its current nuclear energy production with the goal to have 24 GW by mid-century.
The plan confirms hydrogen as an important part of the renewable energy acceleration. Low carbon hydrogen capacity should reach 10 GW by 2030 and 5 GW out of it should come from blue hydrogen. For green hydrogen, the goal of the government is to move it to a price competitive stage by 2025 and when market conditions allow that, increase its adoption to 1 GW by 2025.
The government also plans to build up transportation and storage infrastructure for the hydrogen economy. A hydrogen certification scheme could be set out by 2025 to demonstrate the high-grade British alternative fuel for export.
Relevant: The UK Funds $84.6 Million To Carbon Capture Projects
The British Energy Security Strategy is a climate policy that deserves a tribute and could be set as an example to other countries in search of both affordable energy independence and a net zero transition. Over a couple of years, the strategy could also become an example it’s a possibility for a country with high energy demands to run almost entirely on renewables.
The plan is also expected to generate around 112,000 new jobs in the sector which proves good choices for the environment are also good choices for economic prosperity and human well-being.
