Sustainable Energy Infrastructure
Energy policy statement 09/04
The energy we use in our buildings, vehicles and industrial processes is delivered to its points of use by a complex and evolving network of distribution and supply infrastructure. Our existing energy infrastructure developed largely in the 50s, 60s and 70s desperately needs to modernise. If we are to move toward more sustainable patterns of energy use and supply, three of our existing networks will have to adapt and one will have to be developed from new.
Key recommendations
In particular our:
- Gas networks are short of strategic storage capacity, which must be dealt with urgently. In addition, the Government needs to recognise the potential for renewable bio-methane to be injected into the distribution system, which will help decarbonise our gas supply;
- Electricity networks need urgent renewal and strengthening to connect major new sources of renewable energy to the transmission network, notably wind energy in Scotland and the North Sea. Further, the Government must put far more funding into electricity storage research and do all it can to support the development of an EU ‘Supergrid’;
- Transport fuel networks have not adapted to our new-found position as a net oil importer. New supply routes and storage facilities for petrol and diesel are needed in the near and medium term, whilst the carbon impact and oil-dependence of transport fuels need to be addressed in the medium and long term. Sustainably produced bio-fuels, vehicle efficiency improvements and electrification are all viable options;
- Heat networks need to be developed from scratch. A market for heat is needed, alongside greater regulation and incentives to encourage large scale thermal power producers to export heat energy. To achieve this the proposed Renewable Heat Incentive must support district heat networks using thermal Energy from Waste technologies and the Ofgem remit needs to change to include the development of a market (and networks) for heat.