Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will be holding meetings with industry leaders this week to address the need for strengthening Britain's energy security. The government plans to outline details of its
initiatives concerning the country's fossil fuel and green industries.
A multimillion-pound funding announcement for a carbon capture project in Scotland is expected to be made during the week. The project, known as Acorn, is a collaborative effort involving Shell UK and other companies. It aims to transport harmful greenhouse gas emissions under the North Sea, preventing the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere by capturing it at the source of fossil fuel burning. The technology is considered crucial in achieving the net-zero emissions target by the mid-century and could create around 21,000 jobs, according to reports.
Despite some environmentalists expressing concerns about the Acorn project, policymakers view it as a vital tool to combat climate change and reduce emissions. If approved, Acorn would become Scotland's first carbon capture and storage facility.
During the meetings, Sunak and Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps will engage with senior representatives from the oil and gas, renewable, and nuclear industries to explore opportunities for enhancing the UK's energy infrastructure. The government aims to ensure energy security and reduce reliance on "hostile states."
Sunak is expected to pledge to prioritize powering up Britain from within the country, utilizing domestic resources, reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels, and investing in renewable technologies. The government remains committed to new oil and gas licenses in the North Sea, despite criticisms from climate campaigners.
While the Conservative party faces internal divisions over green policies, the backlash against London Mayor Sadiq Khan's ultra-low emission zone (Ulez) extension has elevated the UK's net zero target to the forefront of the political agenda. In response, Sunak emphasizes his support for drivers, calling for a review of low traffic neighborhoods to enable people to use their cars for essential activities.
Shadow climate secretary Ed Miliband criticizes the Conservative party's energy policy, attributing higher energy bills to 13 years of failure. However, the government maintains its commitment to energy security, including support for the oil and gas industry and British innovation in renewables. Friends of the Earth advocates for a transition away from fossil fuels to enhance long-term energy security and economic prosperity, tapping into the abundant renewable energy resources available in the UK. Photo by HM Treasury, Wikimedia commons.