UK needs £100bn+ 'surge' in new energy investments

British officials see the need for a massive investment in the country’s energy infrastructure in the near future.

The government today published a final version of its Energy National Policy Statements (NPSs) in advance of their scheduled debate in Parliament. The statements highlight the need for a “surge of investment” in new energy sources, including 33 gigawatts (GW) of new renewable energy capacity. They also list eight sites across the country identified as suitable for new nuclear power stations by 2025.

“Around a quarter of the UK’s generating capacity is due to close by the end of this decade,” said Charles Hendry, Minister of State for Energy. “We need to replace this with secure, low-carbon, affordable energy. This will require over £100 billion worth of investment in electricity generation alone. This means twice as much investment in energy infrastructure in this decade as was achieved in the last decade.”

Hendry continued, “Industry needs as much certainty as possible to make such big investments. These plans set out our energy need to help guide the planning process, so that if acceptable proposals come forward in appropriate places, they will not face unnecessary hold-ups.”

“Major infrastructure projects provide a real growth opportunity for this country, will bring billions of pounds of investment and create the bedrock businesses need to thrive in the 21st century,” added Decentralisation Minister Greg Clark, further noting that “(t)hese policy statements are an important step in ensuring planning decisions can be made without delay.”

The UK Department of Energy and Climate Change today also published independent research into how noise from wind turbines is assessed in the planning process. The agency is in discussions with the Institute of Acoustics to establish a working group to develop best practice guidance for planners, developers and local communities.