The terms of the review are broad in scope including aspects of both
energy supply and demand and will focus on policy measures to help the UK
deliver on its objectives beyond 2010. The review will aim to ensure the
UK is on track to meet the goals of the 2003 Energy White Paper in the
medium and long term.
"The Energy Review is taking place against a background of strengthening
evidence on the nature and extent of climate change and increasing
concerns about the future security of UK energy supplies," Wicks said.
"This is the right moment to assess where we are in relation to achieving
the goals set out in the 2003 Energy White Paper.
"The Review will explore all the options open to us taking into account
the important international context," Wicks said. "There will inevitably
be some difficult decisions and trade offs to be made in arriving at the
right package of policy proposals. It is crucial that we stimulate a
wide-ranging and informed debate and engage the public, business and
industry throughout the process as well as academic, private sector,
scientific, NGO and other experts."
According to the UK's Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the review
will consider all options including the role of current generating
technologies (e.g., renewables, coal, gas and nuclear power) and new and
emerging technologies (e.g., carbon capture and storage). The Review will
also consider transport and the role of energy efficiency.
Not everyone is pleased that all options, particularly nuclear energy,
will be among the options considered for future use.
The Government's Energy Review must pave the way for clean, safe
alternatives to meet Britain's energy needs, rather than rubber stamp a
new generation of nuclear power stations, said the environmental
organization Friends of the Earth in response to the news.
"The UK could be a world leader in developing a low-carbon, nuclear-free
economy," said Friends of the Earth's director Tony Juniper. "The Energy
Review must deliver a sustainable energy plan for the future. Investing in
energy efficiency, renewable energy and cleaner use of fossil fuels could
achieve this. Will the Government seize the opportunity, or has it already
fallen for the latest nuclear con?"
The wind power industry also chimed in with the British Wind Energy
Association (BWEA) saying that it is also essential that the Review sets
Britain on course to use the country's huge strategic natural renewable
resources, such as wind, wave and tidal stream.
"The Energy White Paper of 2003 set an 'aspiration' that 20 percent of our
electricity needs should come from renewables in 2020 with a target of 10
percent by 2010," said Marcus Rand, BWEA Chief Executive. "Now is the time
to turn that 2020 aspiration into a firm target, and ensure that the
mechanisms are put in place to achieve it."
The Review will be taken forward by a cross-departmental team based in the
DTI, with officials drawn from key relevant departments and the Prime
Minister's Strategy Unit. The devolved administrations and territorial
departments are already involved and will continue to be involved
throughout the course of the Review. The Review team will draw on expert
support and analysis both within and outside government.
A formal consultation phase will start around the turn of the year. The
consultation will be launched with a statement of current evidence on the
White Paper goals and the government's plans for engagement with the
public and stakeholders.
