Energy: What does the UK’s new strategy say?

Thursday 28 Apr 2022
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The government has published its long-awaited strategy for increasing the UK’s energy independence.

The blueprint aims to move away from Russian oil and gas, and boost renewable energy sources.

Ministers are also under pressure to help tackle soaring energy bills facing consumers, amid rising gas prices.

The document has been delayed amid wrangling over the contents.

So what’s in it?

  • Nuclear – The strategy contains an ambition to deliver up to eight new nuclear reactors before 2030, including two at Sizewell in Suffolk.
    The government wants nuclear to supply 24 gigawatts (GW) of electricity by 2050 – around 25% of the UK’s predicted energy demand.
  • Wind – Offshore wind is also a big part of the plans – with a new target to generate 50GW of energy by 2030.
  • Oil and Gas – There will be a licensing round this summer for new North Sea oil and gas projects, and a taskforce set up to support new developments.
  • Solar – There’s an ambition to increase the UK’s current 14GW solar capacity fivefold by 2035.
  • Hydrogen – The strategy contains a target to double UK hydrogen production to 10GW by 2030.

Read a BBC comment on the contents of the new Energy Strategy (UK) here.