Katy Balls Katy Balls

No. 10 prepares decades-long energy plan

But it's not going to solve the cost-of-living crisis today

(Getty)

The government’s delayed energy strategy is finally due to be released this week. The Prime Minister is due to unveil his plans on Thursday, which will supposedly ensure that the UK is self-reliant on energy supply after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Not that the proposals will lead to much change overnight. Instead, they are focussed on ensuring self-reliance in the long term – with many of the plans likely to take decades to come to fruition. 

So, what’s on the agenda? Part of the reason the energy strategy has been delayed several times is a difference of opinion between the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, No. 10 and the Treasury. The Chancellor initially queried proposals for increased nuclear power – not over safety concerns but over how cost-effective it would be for the taxpayer. 

Meanwhile, Kwasi Kwarteng, the Business Secretary, has been vocal in his support for onshore wind turbines – suggesting to the i newspaper that the government is looking to ease planning controls to make it easier to build new wind farms.

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