In a decisive move to bolster energy security, the UK government has announced plans to construct new gas plants, deeming them essential to prevent potential blackouts. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) underscored the necessity of these plants even beyond 2030, as the country strives to balance its climate commitments with the need for reliable power sources.
Energy Minister Claire Coutinho is slated to unveil a comprehensive strategy for gas at a forthcoming speech at Chatham House in London. She is expected to emphasize the critical role of gas in supporting renewable energy sources, stating, “Without gas backing up renewables, we face the genuine prospect of blackouts… We will not let ourselves be put in that position. And so, as we continue to move towards clean energy, we must be realistic.”
The UK’s plan to integrate new gas plants into its energy mix has drawn criticism from environmental groups. Dr. Doug Parr of Greenpeace UK has voiced concerns that this approach could undermine the nation’s net-zero emissions target by 2050 and increase reliance on costly fossil fuels.
Currently, gas-fired power stations generate approximately one-third of Britain’s electricity, a dependency that became particularly costly when gas prices surged following geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe.
In addition to the gas plant strategy, DESNZ is proposing a zonal approach to electricity pricing. This location-based method would see consumers paying different rates based on their proximity to power generators, potentially reducing costs for many. DESNZ suggests that “Different wholesale prices could better match supply and demand and bring down costs for people across the country.” Such a system is already in place in several European countries, including Italy, Sweden, and Norway.
These proposals are part of the ongoing Review of Electricity Market Arrangements (REMA), initiated in 2022 with the aim of reforming the UK’s electricity market. The government’s commitment to energy security and affordability is clear, but it remains to be seen how these strategies will align with long-term sustainability goals.
