Ashden says UK Energy Strategy inadequate and misses the ‘3 Rs’: rapid transition away from fossil fuels, more renewables and major retrofits
Climate charity Ashden considers UK Energy Strategy inadequate as it falls far short of the dramatic action needed.
Ashden pinpoints the ‘3 Rs’ – rapid transition away from oil and gas; more renewables; and a major programme of retrofitting – as vital to any attempt of tackling climate emergency.
Currently, it calls the UK Energy Strategy inadequate for its failure to back the building of energy-efficient homes and low carbon refurbishment of old ones, and the growth of modern, sustainable, renewable energy heating systems.
The solution that Ashden presents is based on the ‘3 Rs’. The charity argues that both the cost of living crisis and the climate crisis can be tackled by a ruthless commitment to the ‘3 Rs’.
This would boost energy resilience and lower emissions, but also tackle fuel poverty and protect family budgets, improve health, and create decently-paid jobs across the country.
‘The UK government needs to learn its ‘3 Rs’’
Harriet Lamb, CEO of Ashden said:
“We are shocked that in the same week the UN has warned it would be political and economic madness to invest in fossil fuels, the UK government has decided to do just that as the strategy includes the issuing of new licences for oil and gas in the North Sea.
“The UK government needs to learn its ‘3 Rs’ – Rapid transition away from fossil fuels, more Renewables and major Retrofits. The UK should be diversifying supply by concentrating all efforts into quick and cheap renewable energies.
“But this strategy will be meaningless if we fritter away that energy once we get it. That is why the government needs to fully prioritise energy efficiency measures, alongside the welcome measures on heat pumps, that turn cold houses into cosy homes, and help hard-pressed families save on their energy bills.
“We must invest now in a national campaign to retrofit the UK’s cold and draughty housing stock, including the specialist skills needed to carry out the work. This will boost local businesses, create new jobs, and support the government’s net-zero and levelling-up targets.”
Germany’s strategy is much more impressive
When today’s UK Energy Strategy is compared against the German strategy, it is clear who comes out top.
Germany has focused on accelerating green energy expansion and envisages green energy accounting for 80% of the power mix in Europe’s biggest economy by 2030, up from about 40% now and a previous target of 65%.
It also provides legislation acknowledging that the use of renewables is in the interests of public security which is much more than the UK has done in its equivalent paper.
Ashden appeals to local authorities to lead the energy revolution
Ashden appeals to local authorities to lead the revolution. Local authorities are already trusted by residents and have a vested interest in health and local economies.
Not only this but they are well connected to key stakeholders such as small businesses, colleges and community organisations and therefore it makes sense that the government fund and bestow powers upon councils to take action.
This would benefit authorities such as the Carbon Co-Op, a Manchester-based community who run retrofit training for building contractors.
