The UK Government’s Energy Bill that was meant to deal with the country’s energy woes has become a hot button issue as the nation strives to move towards renewable energy.
But critics say that current proposals are not even enough to allow the countries to meet the net-zero emission targets by 2050 as required. If the bill is going to be that kind of game-changing, then it has to be even broader and harder in scope, primarily when it comes to renewable energy, energy efficiency, and consumer interests.
A Strong Start, but Room for Improvement
The GB Energy Bill establishes initiative and regulation—at least a framework—to reduce reliance on oil and gas and utilize more offshore wind and carbon capture and storage technology. It also underlines the reduction of carbon emissions from heating systems, which is a major contributor to the carbon footprint in the UK.
But these measures, commendable as they are, are not enough. As to the professionals, the government has to be more active in pursuing goals and utilizing measures that would foster the high growth rates of renewable energy usage and promote the research of new innovative solutions in the sphere.
One potential area where the bill could enhance one’s abilities is how fast it requires the elimination of fossil fuels in other areas like transportation and heating, which are worse than the general electricity grid in terms of electrification.
Energy Efficiency: A Missed Opportunity
However, the greatest weakness of a bill must be considered the fact that the goal of achieving energy efficiency is virtually absent from the bill. Housing is one of the biggest issue in the UK, where more than 20% of the dwelling stock is considered as inefficient in terms of energy consumption.
While the bill tips its hat to the need for energy-efficient measures, critics have slammed the provisions of the bill as lacking the required capacity to address the challenge effectively. The government has been urged to increase the spending on increasing the energy efficiency of homes through more extensive and deeper refurbishment and the legislation that would require the landlords and homeowners to upgrade their properties’ energy performance.
Consumer Protection and Energy Costs
Concern over rising energy prices, which are exacerbated by inflation and other economic factors, is growing among people in the UK. Nonetheless, some of the measures introduced by the GB Energy Bill include price caps and the expansion of financial assistance programs, which many have dubbed as mere temporary remedial measures.
A far more ambitious plan would address the root causes of high energy costs, which are best exemplified by renewable energy sources like wind and solar power. This could significantly lower energy costs in the near future. Also, the bill should aim at making sure that as the country implements the green transition, preferences do not shift towards the rich, leaving the poor to bear the brunt during the transition.
Time for Bold Action
The GB Energy Bill is a part of the UK’s path to transition to sustainable energy, but it is not enough for the country to achieve its climate targets. Given the current climate crisis, we now need much more than an industry-friendly approach, stronger commitments to renewable energy and energy efficiency, as well as robust consumer protection mechanisms, to achieve the necessary system change.
While the bill does set out some bold goals for the government, such as the total ban of new petrol and diesel car sales by 2030 and the commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, it is not nearly enough if the government is serious about its climate change targets and net-zero ambitions.
ASH CK