I’ve been through the Argos catalogue of energy policies that have been discussed this year and folded over the corners of the ones that I want. There are many green elements to this, but I’ve called it blue because it also includes measures to support the vulnerable, economic growth and jobs.
Generation System Wishes:
1. A government backed commitment to building a nuclear backbone
2. Restating the North Sea as a strategic asset and restart exploration
3. Maintain a fleet of CCGTs for the next 20 years to ensure security of supply
4. All predictions of the future energy system for the next 25 years must be based on currently proven technologies
Market and Regulation Wishes:
1. Rebalance electricity and gas costs. Start by removing VAT on electricity and adding VAT at 20% to gas
2. A new Whole System Market Design that replaces REMA with a wider scope that includes retail energy.
3. Simplify the UK’s regulatory landscape into something able to implement changes.
Local Energy Wishes
1. A presumption of local first solutions, using GBE to push standardised out-of-the-box solutions for local energy schemes
2. Every new house to be fossil fuel free.
3. A commitment to solar on every suitable public building, and an onshore wind turbine on every suitable public site.
People Wishes
1. Lift millions out of fuel poverty with a gas only social tariff based on a block tariff
2. Meaningful public engagement in the future of the energy system.
International Energy System Wishes
1. Overseas investment to help rapidly growing economies achieve growth without emissions
2. Commitment to a pan-European carbon price and CBAM.
3. Redesigning the Paris agreement to focus on measurable changes to the way we use energy
What would be on your Christmas list, what would you not buy me, and what would you surprise me with?
