Energy

Ensuring affordable, reliable energy supplies is the responsibility of government.

The Peoples Party must:
triple UK generation capacity and upgrade the national grid accordingly
support the construction of 12 large and 60 small modular reactors (SMRs) as the most practical and environmentally friendly solution to our energy needs and the maintenance of grid stability. Examine locations offshore as well as on land
encourage the full exploitation of UK offshore wind and tidal resources
support compressed air and battery plants to store energy from wind
encourage electrolysis plants to produce green hydrogen to replace fossil fuels in sectors that cannot be electrified
mandate the replacement of gas boilers with air source heat pumps
stimulate domestic energy production through solar roofs and fences with the installation of suitable domestic battery storage to store surplus power and off peak energy
ensure homes are fully insulated
actively promote electric cars and lorries

Energy must be sustainable and dependable. The challenge of climate change means that we must switch to non fossil fuel sources as soon as possible. This requires decisions not dithering.

Expedient measures such as burning natural gas to create electricity are a highly wasteful use of a precious chemical resource. Like the use of gas in heating, it contributes very significantly to UK emissions. It also makes us increasingly dependent on continental pipelines or LPG tankers, providing a major strategic and economic vulnerability.

Looking to the future, electricity demand will increase dramatically as it provides power for transport, heating, and hydrogen production. We must act, investing to make sure that there is sufficient energy supply, at affordable prices.