Friday 11 November 2016

Greg Clark: UK energy system seeing ‘intense tech innovation’

The energy system is experiencing "intense technological innovation" to help deliver reliable, clean and cheap power.

That's according to Business, Energy and Industrial Secretary Greg Clark, who was speaking at the Energy UK conference in London yesterday.

Mr Clark highlighted the government’s commitment to new energy technologies from demand side to smart meters as they play key roles in benefitting consumers and reducing the impacts of climate change.

He said: “They are the backbone to a thriving economy, infrastructure on which the rest of the economy depends and they must make people’s lives better.

"The role of government is to create the right framework. We must harness new technology to deliver more secure, cleaner energy at a lower cost. That is our goal: an energy system which is reliable and clean and cheap.”

His comments follow BEIS and Ofgem's call for evidence on a smarter and flexible energy system.

The Business and Energy Secretary also tried to reassure the audience that Brexit "does not change the advantages of linking our electricity market with those of Europe".

He added: "This trade is mutually beneficial for British business and consumers and for our European counterparts. In any negotiation, you find a fixed point of mutual common ground."

Citing the changes to the auction system for CfDs announced on Wednesday, he said they underline "that determination to focus on our strengths and also our determination to get costs down".

He went on: "Again, this is not just to protect consumers but to build commercial momentum so we have a chance of delivering global-scale reductions in emissions.

"The changes we are making are about upgrading our country’s infrastructure. They are about putting affordability and security front and centre."