New Report Urges UK Government to Give More Clarity for Power Sector beyond 2020

A new independent report published today that is jointly sponsored by DONG Energy and Siemens outlines the important role that renewables can play in the UK’s transition to a low carbon electricity supply over coming decades. The report was launched in Parliament at a cross-party debate with key note speech from Rt. Hon Ed Davey MP (Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change) and DONG Energy’s Benj Sykes on the panel.

Benj (UK Country Chairman for Wind Power) said:

“This well-rounded report that has been shaped by industry leaders and key opinion formers from within the energy sector. It gives an honest and expert picture of shifting renewable energy policy and calls for certainty as a prerequisite for continued investment in the renewables sector.”

The report is part of a cross-party and independent inquiry series called the Future Electricity Series. The series brings together experts from parliament, industry and academia to build consensus, lay down the facts and point to policy challenges in the power sector.

Chaired by former Energy Minister, Charles Hendry MP, and Shadow Energy Minister, Baroness Worthington, the report has been compiled by independent think tank Carbon Connect. It presents over 30 findings as part of a year-long, independent inquiry into the UK power sector. As a sponsor, DONG Energy has had a significant role in the development of the report.

Findings

The inquiry says that the UK Government could do more to narrow the scope of debate about technology mix beyond 2020. It argues that it should work with industry and academia, first to establish ‘low regrets’ levels of technology deployment, and second to ensure that policies are in place to incentivise investments, such as supply chain investment, needed to deliver these low regrets actions.

This approach would help provide the longer term clarity that could secure supply chain investments giving the UK a head-start in the global race. The report finds that these investments could be missed, delayed or more expensive if there insufficient confidence about long term demand for key technologies such as offshore wind. Work by Government to help incentivise these investments would increase the likelihood that technology cost reductions are achieved and help mitigate against high costs if new nuclear or carbon capture and storage development fails or is delayed.

Speaking ahead of the launch, inquiry co-chair and former Energy Minister, Charles Hendry MP, said:

“I am delighted to welcome this latest report from Carbon Connect into our electricity system.  At a time when there is so much interest in energy matters, and also so much uncertainty about the fact, this report is an invaluable resource.  It looks objectively at the benefits and challenges associated with renewables, just as its first report looked in the same way at hydrocarbons.  It is a document which will be of interest to anyone wanting to understand the energy challenges we face and the solutions open to us.” 

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Press release, September 4, 2013; Image: DONG Energy