Government issues major energy bills update to ‘protect’ UK households | Personal Finance | Finance
UK homes could get more support over energy bills, officials have announced.
Two major clean energy schemes, Sizewell C and Lighthouse Green Fuels, are being accelerated through planning and regulatory approvals in a bid to boost Britain’s energy independence and reduce its dependence on overseas imports. Both projects are also expected to generate thousands of jobs and apprenticeship opportunities. The Government is also pushing forward with plans to speed up approvals for significant wind, solar, water and nuclear projects, with a newly published roadmap outlining when each measure will come into effect.
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Emma Reynolds said: “We are taking back control of our energy supply to bring stability for families and create skilled jobs for local people, without compromising on environmental protections.
“Global shocks from conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East show that relying on a volatile global fossil fuel market is simply not sustainable for Britain. These measures are a win-win for energy security, nature and for keeping bills down in the long run.” Sizewell C will supply six million households with British nuclear power. At the height of construction, the multi-billion-pound scheme will create approximately 17,000 jobs and 1,500 apprenticeships.
Lighthouse Green Fuels is also on track to become Europe’s largest second-generation sustainable aviation fuel facility and the first significant refinery development in the UK for decades.
It’s anticipated to produce sufficient fuel for 27,000 flights annually. This construction venture will also generate around 2,000 jobs and support 3,400 supply chain positions across the UK.
Both schemes are expected to deliver greater certainty for households regarding energy costs by reducing our dependence on unpredictable global imports which have been impacted by recent international events including conflicts.
Nuclear Minister Patrick Vallance said: “We are steaming ahead with implementing the Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce reforms, including assigning one lead regulator to get nuclear energy projects built faster while ensuring good outcomes for safety and nature.
“Only clean, homegrown power will deliver energy security and bring down bills for good.”
Environment Agency Chief Executive Philip Duffy said: “The Environment Agency’s mission is to protect and enhance the environment while supporting the sustainable growth that communities and businesses need. Sizewell C and Lighthouse Green Fuels are exactly the kind of clean energy projects where those goals align.
“We are pleased to be able to play a key role as Lead Environmental Regulator for both projects, bringing the developers and regulators together to prevent environmental damage and streamline approvals.”
