Labor's plan to switch to a clean electricity system by 2030 faces “significant challenges” in avoiding delays and preventing vulnerable households from paying higher prices, experts say. I'm warning you.
The UK Energy Research Center (UKERC) said there was “little margin for error” in achieving the government's plan to create a 95% low carbon electricity grid by the end of this decade.
The government has promised that the move to cleaner electricity will reduce the UK's impact on volatile global gas prices, ultimately leading to lower rates. However, no official cost comparison between the 2030 clean power target and the previous government's 2035 deadline has been provided.
In its annual report, UKERC said that consumers who had hoped that increased use of cheap renewable energy would “lead to lower utility bills” were under pressure from the UK's National Energy System Operator (Neso) to “reduce their energy bills.” “They will probably be disappointed that we haven't had a clearer explanation of pricing.” “Direct cost impacts of changes in generational composition.''
“Nonetheless, reduced exposure to global gas market fluctuations is an important benefit of the transition, and there are policy options that may reduce electricity costs in the short term,” the researchers wrote. said.
“However, policymakers face significant challenges both in delivering clean power within the timelines governments desire and in delivering power in a way that reliably benefits consumers. ”
A Neso spokesperson said the direct impact of the government's clean power policy on consumers' electricity bills would depend on “policy design and market dynamics”. Official advice to the government sets out the “hurdles to overcome to deliver the benefits of clean power to consumers, the economy and society, including the UK's energy security”.
UKERC, which is publicly funded but independent from government, said there were now “questions about the feasibility” of the end-of-decade target.
Researchers say there will likely be even greater challenges from 2030 onwards, with the need to expand the entire power system and potentially costing consumers billions of pounds from decommissioning the UK's gas pipelines. There is a possibility that this may occur.”
UKERC said funding and decommissioning plans for the UK's gas network were “sorely needed” as the UK transitions to clean energy.
Gas infrastructure is expected to remain a key part of the UK's energy security even beyond the 2030 clean power target, but consumers will have to cut their greenhouse gas emissions in line with the government's climate change targets. As we move towards cleaner home heating systems, there are concerns about how networks will be financed. target.
UKERC has warned that over the next few years network costs will be split 50-50 among a declining number of customers, leading to rising prices. The transition is expected to hit vulnerable populations, such as renters and low-income households, hardest. Because they are the most difficult to transition from gas.
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According to UKERC, the cost of disconnecting customers from the gas grid could reach £29bn, while work to physically dismantle the pipeline could cost £25bn.
The report states that “a system-wide plan for network decommissioning is urgently needed,” including a decision on the technical composition of domestic heating, clarification of when boilers will be decommissioned, the role of hydrogen, and even the possibility of network nationalization. It is said that
Jess Britton, co-director of UKERC, said: “The energy transition must leave no one behind, and we have a moral and practical obligation to ensure that vulnerable communities share in the benefits of this transition.
“By focusing on energy efficiency, targeted support and inclusive policies, we can tackle inequalities and give everyone access to cleaner, cheaper and warmer homes.”
A government spokesperson said: “The Government has plans to make the UK a clean energy powerhouse and end energy insecurity. Clean electricity by 2030 is achievable and more You can expect a safer energy system and lower electricity costs and bills.”
