Duncan Botting, head of technology and business development for ABB in the UK, has been through the Government’s latest Energy Review and asks where does it go from here?
The eagerly awaited outcome of the Government’s Energy Review – The Energy Challenge – has now been published. The industry has been carefully reviewing the detail contained in the 218-page document to understand the likely policy that will be included in the white paper to follow.
There is a clear acknowledgement that investment in both the transmission and distribution electricity networks will have to rise to accommodate new renewable generation and new nuclear build. The opportunity to use technology to improve energy efficiency is a common theme throughout the report.
Micro-generation and Combined Heat and Power (CHP) from small, medium and large implementations will be encouraged. Energy efficiency will be promoted in a much more forceful manner using the Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) and other instruments.
Carbon capture and storage will be encouraged to assist in meeting the emission levels while planning processes will be reviewed to prevent excessive time delays to major infrastructure projects. Regulation will be reviewed – "The Government is clear in its determination to achieve its energy policy objectives through an approach that is consistent with the principles of good regulation."
Regional energy policy will be reviewed and strengthened with special focus on the powers of the Greater London Authority and the Mayor of London.
The Review confirms the importance of R&D and technology to deliver the future network benefits.
In reviewing new infrastructure the tricky area of planning and public consultation is tackled. The streamlining of planning regulations and consultations for major infrastructure projects is proposed, still ensuring fair but time limited consultation.
Further consultations will be developed for new nuclear build, planning applications (including gas projects), renewable transport fuel obligation, EU car fuel efficiency voluntary arrangements, review of permitted development rights for micro generation and the energy efficiency commitment.
In its submission to the Energy Review, ABB identified many of the themes outlined above and offered examples of key technologies to make these aspirations a reality. ABB is already participating in many of the cutting-edge applications and technologies mentioned in the report through collaborative R&D and working groups throughout the industry, including regulatory and government-led advisory groups. Combine this with the products, solutions and services ABB already offers, and the vision painted in the Energy Challenge report has more than a passing chance of becoming a reality.
In the following issues of FFWD we will examine key technologies that ABB has already developed and how these can be utilised in your industry. Throughout each publication you will find examples and case studies of how the various technologies are already delivering benefits for their owners, operators and wider stakeholders.
For further information on how ABB can help your contribution to the Energy Challenge please contact Duncan Botting (duncan.botting@gb.abb.com) or see our comprehensive website at www.abb.com. We look forward to developing the future energy efficient generation, networks and demand side solutions of the future with you. We are confident that together we can not only move towards a shared vision, but can also improve your operational efficiency and bottom line.