I have always been clear that cutting emissions, energy production and usage is a hugely important issue for our country and how we invest in the sources of how we get our energy as we transition to Net Zero. A number of constituents have written to me across this topic and I share this combined statement on Energy Sources.
Cutting Emissions and Green Energy
I am extremely proud that we are the first major economy to halve emissions whilst growing the economy, sticking to our plan to reach net zero in a pragmatic way that protects family finances. Since 1990 we have halved emissions whilst growing the economy by 80%.
The UK is a world leader in offshore wind, boasting the world’s first, second, third, fourth and fifth largest operational wind farms, harnessing renewable energy sources to bolster our energy security. Our manifesto on wind energy says we will:
“Treble our offshore wind capacity, to deliver low-cost, home-grown energy and support the development of vibrant industrial clusters in places like the North East of England, Scotland and Wales.”
We have increased renewable generation from just 7% in 2010 when Labour was in Office to almost 50% now under the Conservatives. That’s our record and I am proud of it. We have made good progress but there is more to do, that’s why as promised in our manifesto we will:
“Invest £1.1 billion into the Green Industries Growth Accelerator to support British manufacturing capabilities, boost supply chains and ensure our energy transition is made in Britain.”
Coal, Oil and Gas
I do fully respect that coal has played an important role in the UK’s economic success over the past 100 years. However, I am in complete agreement that coal is the most carbon intensive fossil fuel and is responsible for harmful air pollution. I agree with the consensus that unabated coal is not consistent with meeting our decarbonisation objectives.
It is therefore extremely positive that the UK has made huge progress in reducing the use of coal across the power sector, with coal accounting for only 1.5 per cent of the UK’s electricity mix in 2022, compared with 40 per cent almost a decade ago. Whilst the use of coal has not been eliminated yet, this is significant progress toward the Net Zero target of not using coal to generate electricity from October 2024.
We are harnessing the power of the North Sea oil and gas industry, maximising our energy security and protecting over 200,000 jobs. We are committing to hundreds of new oil and gas fields licences in the North Sea, making sure we minimise our reliance on dirtier foreign imports. The industry supports over 200,000 jobs and brings in billions of pounds in revenue to help fund our transition to net zero.
Added to this we will retain the current moratorium on fracking. This is particularly pertinent in respect of the potential fracking site in Balcombe. Whilst planning permission was unanimously refused by West Sussex County Council in 2021, this was overturned by the Planning Inspectorate in 2023, unsuccessfully challenged by residents at the High Court in Oct 23 and it has just been announced it is now due to go to the Court of Appeal in Jan 2025. I have supported concerns brought to me by constituents as the previous Mid Sussex MP, and should I be elected on 4th July will continue to do so.
I’ve voiced my concerns regarding this fracking site during a visit to Balcombe today – listen here: https://www.mimsdavies.org.uk/news/mims-davies-balcombe-morning-cllr-marsh-discussing-parking-and-fracking
Nuclear Power
Under the Conservatives we have seen the biggest expansion of nuclear power in 70, years increasing energy security and creating jobs. We are delivering the next generation of nuclear power, through delivering the fastest Small Modular Reactors competition the world and Great British Nuclear – delivering Hinkley Point C – the first nuclear power station in a generation.
The Conservative Government made the historic decision to revitalise the UK nuclear industry by confirming the first state backing of a major nuclear project in over 30 years, investing £700 million in Sizewell C.
The project will support 10,000 jobs at peak construction, and provide reliable, low-carbon power to the equivalent of six million homes for over 60 years whilst deliver on our plan to reduce emissions.
In our manifesto we have promised:
“Scale up nuclear power, building on our work establishing Great British Nuclear. Within the first 100 days of the next Parliament, we will approve two new fleets of Small Modular Reactors to rapidly expand nuclear power, create well-paid, high-skilled jobs and deliver cheaper, cleaner and more secure energy. We will halve the time it takes for new nuclear reactors to be approved, by allowing regulators to assess projects while designs are being finalised, improving join-up with overseas regulators assessing the same technology and speeding up planning and environmental approvals.”
I recognise there must be a fine balance between sourcing energy for our homes, businesses and vital services whilst minimising the impact on our environment and respect that not all constituents will agree with the points I have raised above. I do, however, hope you found them helpful.
