The King’s Speech shows that green energy is very important for the UK. It highlights plans to use more clean power and protect the environment for the future. The King’s Speech is always an event with a lot of pomp, ceremony and tradition, but this time it was of unusual significance as it was the first one following a change of government.
Coming after nine years of Conservative-led energy policy (The Liberal Democrats held the energy portfolio in the 2010-15 coalition), the change of government always promised changes in this area of policy, but the fact that the central plank of this was included in the first legislative programme confirms the level of priority it will receive.
The main vehicle through which policy will be driven is the creation of a new publicly-owned company called Great British Energy. While not a provider of energy itself, it will provide investment in energy infrastructure (especially the National Grid) and work with energy firms to steer policy in the direction of more green power and a return to energy independence.
Britain had energy independence in the past through its vast coal reserves and then through North Sea oil and gas. But the carbon emission consequences of coal have put an end to that industry, while Britain is no longer self-sufficient in gas and Labour, unlike its Tory predecessor, has pledged not to grant any more North Sea exploration licences.
Instead, the manifesto talked about making Britain a “green energy superpower”, with wind, hydro and solar energy all playing a big part. Indeed, the government has pledged to treble the amount of solar energy generated in the UK.
That may sound to some like backing for a vast number of solar farms, which have already begun to spring up across the country, but have already proved controversial.
That may be part of it, as Labour has already signalled its intention to take on ‘NIMBYs’ by lifting the ban on onshore windfarms and housebuilding on low-quality greenbelt land, reclassified as ‘grey belt’, but there is also a stated commitment to helping people get residential solar panel installations fitted on their roofs.
The proposal in question is part of the £6.6 billion warm homes plan, which has the stated purpose of helping householders most vulnerable to higher bills of the kind Britons were suddenly hit by after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
It will see grants and low-interest loans being provided to “support investment in insulation and other improvements such as solar panels, batteries and low carbon heating to cut bills.” The manifesto stated.
Of course, while this policy may be focused on existing homes that will benefit from additional measures to make heating and powering them cheaper and easier, the pledge to reform planning law to get 1.5 million new homes built over the course of the next five years could see many of those new properties fitted with rooftop solar installations as well.
Solar power has already been growing rapidly in the UK. Earlier this year, the Energy Saving Trust pointed to data from low carbon energy certification body MCS, showing that in 2023 there were over 183,000 solar panel installations in the UK, up by a third on the 2022 figure.
If such an increase can occur even before the extra measures announced by the new government, its target of trebling solar energy output looks eminently achievable.
Green Energy is a Key Focus
The King’s Speech made it clear that green energy is a big goal for the UK, showing strong support for clean and renewable power.
Plans for a Cleaner Future
The speech included plans to reduce pollution, lower carbon emissions, and invest in wind, solar, and other clean energy sources.
Support for Jobs and Growth
By focusing on green energy, the UK aims to create new jobs and help grow the economy while also protecting the planet.
A Step Towards Net Zero
The King highlighted the UK’s promise to reach net zero emissions, and green energy is a big part of reaching that goal.
