Monday 3 October 2016

Greg Clark: UK needs clean energy ‘upgrade’

The UK needs an infrastructure upgrade that is resilient and supports clean energy.

That's the view of Greg Clark, Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Secretary, who was addressing the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham this morning.

He believes Britain has low carbon energy systems "that lead the world" but also a "failure of successive governments to replace our ageing power stations".

While his speech lacked any clear policies, he said: "Our global leadership in combating climate change now presents us with a massive opportunity to enjoy industrial success as we put clean energy at the heart of our industrial future."

Mr Clark added: "It is time for us to have an upgrade. An upgrade in our infrastructure. An upgrade in the resilience – and the cleanness – of our energy supplies. An upgrade in our education and training. An upgrade in the development and regeneration of our towns and cities."

He believes innovation is crucial and the benefits must flow to consumers - "in better products, improved service and cheaper prices".

Mr Clark's comments were echoed later by Chancellor Phillip Hammond, who told the conference that industrial strategy was a big part of the government's plans to secure the economy post-Brexit. Mr Hammond also said it would involve upgrading the infrastructure of roads, utilities and energy.