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News Release from: Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE)
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 07 January 2003
Energy at the crossroads
The IChemE has warned that candlelit dinners could be on the menu, not just at Christmas but all year round, if the Government fails to deliver on energy policy.
The Institution of Chemical Engineers has warned that candlelit dinners could be on the menu, not just at Christmas but all year round, if the Government fails to deliver on energy policy And to stress the point, MPs have been sent copies of IChemE's new policy briefing, "Energy at the crossroads", complete with a surprise gift in the form of a wax candle
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 10 Nov 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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"Energy at the crossroads" points out that urgent decisions on the future of energy generation in the UK are required.
Action is needed to tackle the current distortions in the wholesale electricity market where historically low prices are effectively suffocating opportunities for investment in new clean and green power generation equipment.
The briefing also highlights that the UK's CO2 reduction targets are over ambitious and will probably not be met unless the government grasps the nuclear nettle and sanctions a nuclear replacement programme.
A stern warning is also issued on the dangers of over dependency on imported gas in an era where global instability is a pressing concern.
"Chemical engineers believe that UK energy policy should be both balanced and secure", says IChemE's Head of External Relations, Andrew Furlong.
"In these uncertain times, the government must pursue a policy that has no heavy dependence on any single primary energy source".
A decision on the UK's energy strategy is expected in the spring, with the publication of a much-delayed government White Paper.
In the meantime, chemical and process engineers working in the energy sector will continue to stress that the price of getting it wrong could be a nation plunged into darkness.
"For the time being, MPs would be well advised to hang onto their candles", Furlong concluded.
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