Published on 05 Dec 2012 • United Kingdom |
"The Government's gas strategy will improve confidence for investors in the UK's energy sector. It makes sense to consult on the tax regime for shale gas so we maximise the amount of energy we can produce at home at reasonable cost. But we cannot become dependent on any one source of energy - gas will have an important role to play as part of a secure, low-carbon power mix alongside renewables, nuclear and carbon capture and storage."
"Government has now made it clear that it sees gas as having an important role today and in the future and alongside the investment in new nuclear and renewables, gas will form part of the diverse and balanced energy mix that the UK needs to keep the lights on. This greater certainty on energy policy should also be a real confidence booster for establishing supply chains for all types of electricity generation...The capacity mechanism highlighted by the strategy is another piece in the jigsaw, as its importance is that it will help establish the right conditions for investors to build the necessary new and efficient gas power stations, and the jobs that will be created as a result."
"There are a number of elements in the Autumn Statement we wholeheartedly applaud. Green growth has been a key driver in manufacturing success and some of our home-grown supply chain companies can benefit from the extra incentives around domestic and export opportunities. However, the real spur to invest for these companies is the guarantee of a long term market...The Energy Bill has laid out a good framework, but there’s still a lack of clarity beyond the next five years, and for the supply chain to scale up and the UK reap the benefits of that in terms of skilled green jobs, we need to see the bigger picture. Based on what the Government has announced today, decisions on gas depend on what happens in 2014, and decarbonisation in 2030 depends on what happens in 2016 – so it feels like a lot of the important pieces are still in play. There’s still going to be a lot of movement over the next few years, so Government has its work cut out convincing world-leading companies it remains committed to low carbon generation."