UK’s 2035 power de-carbonisation at risk

The UK’s goal to decarbonise it’s electricity generation by 2035 appears not to be possible, according to analysis from Aurora Energy Research.

Modelling by the group indicates that offshore wind capacity must increase by 4 times, nuclear power needs a 35% growth, and pumped hydro storage must surge by over 150% to meet the target.

Aurora states that these expansions are currently “simply not feasible” due to existing development timelines, market design uncertainties, grid expansion rates, and the nascent status of crucial technologies like carbon capture and storage and hydrogen.

The report suggests that a more “realistic” target for decarbonising the power system could be the early 2040s, requiring unprecedented efforts from various stakeholders.

Marc Hedin, Head of Research for the UK and Ireland at Aurora, said: “There is a high risk that concentrating efforts around an unachievable target will ultimately impede, rather than accelerate, the country’s energy transition.

“While it’s important to promote an ambitious plan, policymakers need to provide a framework that is designed to deliver the target, otherwise it’s wishful thinking. No one invests because of a target.”

There is no doubt that prices will remain at much higher levels for years to come as we try and move away from non-renewable sources.

As the world moves away from gas as the primary source of electricity generation, it’s very important that businesses track the price of energy so they can make more informed decision on renewal.

Timing is everything. It only takes 2 minutes a week to check price trends and it could save a fortune – subscribe now.