UK takes major steps forward to secure energy independence

01 Dec '22

2 min read

Pic: Shutterstock

The UK government recently decided to move forward with plans to build a secure energy future, creating cheaper, cleaner energy from British sources for domestic use. This includes continuing the revitalisation of the UK nuclear industry by confirming the first state backing of a nuclear project in over 30 years, part of the UK’s biggest step yet in the journey to energy freedom.

The government’s historic £700 million stake in the Sizewell C nuclear power station in Suffolk is positioned at the heart of the new blueprint to Britain’s energy sovereignty, as plans to develop the new plant were approved yesterday, according to an official release.

This is expected to create 10,000 highly skilled jobs and provide reliable, low-carbon power to the equivalent of 6 million homes for over 50 years.

The approval came alongside the government’s continued commitment to develop a pipeline of new nuclear projects, beyond Sizewell C.

To support this, the government is working to set up Great British Nuclear, the vehicle tasked with developing a resilient pipeline of new nuclear builds, with an announcement expected early in the new year.

“The driving force that will power up this long-term plan is the Energy Bill, which is being driven forward in parliament, forming part of today’s once in a generation plan to put in place powers to shield Britain from global forces and secure energy for future generation,” the release said.

The country has set a new ambition to reduce energy demand by 15 per cent by 2030. This is backed by a new £1 billion ECO+ insulation scheme, and a major expansion to the government’s public awareness campaign. All these will help households cut back on energy waste and deliver warmer homes and buildings and cheaper energy bills.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)

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