The UK will achieve greater energy independence by focusing more on the use of renewable and nuclear energy, the Government has pledged.
Energy security secretary Grant Shapps met US energy secretary Jennifer Granholm on Monday, where they discussed reducing the dependence of western countries on Russian oil and gas after the invasion of Ukraine contributed to energy costs soaring. Shapps said that the war, which is now into its second year, has reinforced the importance of the UK relying less on fossil fuels for its energy supply.
Shapps, head of the new Department for Energy Security and Net Zero which was created earlier this month, said that the drive towards greater use of renewables and nuclear will create opportunities for UK and US companies to work together "at the cutting edge of these technologies". The minister said: "Secretary Granholm and I stand shoulder to shoulder in our unending support for Ukraine and in ensuring that neither Putin nor any tyrant ever think they can hold the world to ransom through their energy supply."
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He added: "The war has shown the UK, the US and countries the world over the need for ever greater energy independence, fuelled by moves away from fossil fuels and towards homegrown sources like renewables and nuclear. Today I'm pledging to deliver that energy independence – backed by my ambition for lower wholesale electricity prices in the longer term."
The pledge comes after it was confirmed on Monday that household energy bills are set to rise by £500 in April - despite the Ofgem price cap falling by £1,000. The Government's Energy Price Guarantee is set to increase from £2,500 to £3,000 as of April 1 for the typical household.
The new Department for Energy Security and Net Zero lists its top priority for 2023 as "ensuring security of energy supply this winter, next winter and in the longer-term – bringing down energy bills and reducing inflation". In addition, the department has pledged this year to improve the energy efficiency of UK homes and businesses, as well as "support energy consumers with their bills and develop options for long-term reform".
The department has also committed to ensuring the UK is on track to meet its legally binding Net Zero commitments, which means offsetting the amount of emissions produced by removing greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, from the atmosphere. Shapps' comments come as the first nuclear reactor arrived in the UK for more than 30 years, at Hinkley Point C, in Somerset.
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