Energy Bill: energy efficiency is the only measure that tackles all three aspects of the energy ‘trilemma’

The Energy Bill was announced as part today’s Queen’s Speech.

Responding, Dr Simon Harrison from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), said: “Finding the right balance between falling back on tried and tested technologies that lock in carbon emissions and allowing new technologies and business models the room to grow is a key challenge.

“We will stress the importance of energy efficiency, which is the only measure that tackles all three aspects of the energy ‘trilemma’: security, cost, and low carbon.

“Measures to devolve decisions about on-shore wind power to local authority level, in treating one technology in a different way to others, potentially reduce investor confidence by implying political interference.

“However, with on-shore wind currently one of the lowest-cost renewable energy sources, increasing numbers of communities are likely to see the worth of local renewable energy if it is well-planned.

“Ensuring that the GB electricity network is fit for the very different challenges ahead, which is the subject of the IET’s Power Network Joint Vision work, will also be of key importance as the UK makes the transition to low carbon energy.”
 


Notes to editors

  • Interview opportunities are available with IET spokespeople from a broad range of engineering and technology disciplines including cyber-security, energy, engineering skills, innovation, manufacturing, technology, transport and women in engineering.
  • The IET is one of the world’s largest engineering institutions with nearly 160,000 members in 127 countries. It is also the most multidisciplinary – to reflect the increasingly diverse nature of engineering in the 21st century. Energy, transport, manufacturing, information and communications, and the built environment: the IET covers them all.
  • The IET is working to engineer a better world by inspiring, informing and influencing our members, engineers and technicians, and all those who are touched by, or touch, the work of engineers.
  • We want to build the profile of engineering and change outdated perceptions about engineering in order to tackle the skills gap. This includes encouraging more women to become engineers and growing the number of engineering apprentices.
  • For more information, visit www.theiet.org
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