16
GREEN ECONOMY
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:
POWER PLAY AIMS TO ENERGISE LOW CARBON DRIVE
Unveiling the government’s new energy security strategy in April, an energised Prime Minister Boris Johnson declared: “We’re going to bring clean, affordable, secure power to the people for generations to come.”
There is no doubt the plan is strong in its ambitions. Up to 95 per cent of the nation’s electricity could come from low-carbon sources by 2030.
It includes policies on nuclear, wind, hydrogen, solar, oil and gas, and heat pumps as sources of energy production.
But is it powerful enough to drive Lancashire’s low carbon energy industry forward at pace? And what does it mean for businesses in the county struggling with rising energy costs?
Industry experts and critics say the lack of any mention of energy efficiency and support for energy reduction in the strategy is a major missed opportunity.
Simon Retallack, director of the Carbon Trust, says: “The government has essentially published an energy supply strategy, but if its aims of boosting UK energy independence and tackling rising prices in the short-term are to be realised, it needs to be accompanied by an energy demand strategy.
“Addressing demand reduction means you don’t need as much supply to meet demand, which is why it should always be the first level of action in any energy strategy.”
He stresses that energy efficiency can generate a return, create jobs and unlock economic growth – “with the right help”.
Miranda Barker highlights the “significant role” she believes Lancashire could play within the strategy, but also says more is needed from government.
The co-chair of the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership’s business-led energy and low carbon sector group says: “We welcome the government’s ambition to create a domestic low carbon energy industry and decrease the use of fossil fuels as we move towards a net zero economy.
“Here in Lancashire, we have significant strengths in the large-scale renewables sector, nuclear, and other large energy supply industries which are complemented by a cutting-edge advanced manufacturing and technology sector.
Today the UK
is in a new era of building energy technology
“There are 5,200 Lancashire businesses operating in energy and environment, and we have a number of energy innovation and accelerator initiatives.
“They include RedCAT, Lancashire’s centre for alternative technologies, and the Low Carbon Demonstrator project at the
By Ged Henderson
Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) North West.
“That makes us well-placed to contribute to the objectives laid out in the strategy and facilitate opportunities for job creation and economic growth.”
However, the sector group, which is made up of business leaders and industry experts from across the county, also believes further steps that could be taken to increase the UK’s low carbon energy production.
Miranda says: “Lancashire also has significant strengths in other renewables sectors, including wind, marine and battery technologies.
“It is here where we feel that there is additional opportunity to push forward with further clean energy sources. Committing to an increase in onshore wind farms, for example, would significantly contribute towards net zero goals.
“Like most organisations, we also recognise that to reach energy targets there needs to be a focus on reducing energy consumption in addition to the increased production of greener energy.
“Through our group, the LEP is looking at how we can support Lancashire businesses in this way but would welcome further government policy measures to encourage an energy responsible strategy for the UK going forward.
“Businesses urgently need help with reducing their energy usage. The rising cost of energy is threatening their survival.
“Government validation of green financing schemes would help businesses accelerate
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