Renewables - can they keep our lights on?

Who to believe?

The Climate Change Committee (CCC), our government's independent adviser, said (30.1.24) ''The UK must now support the COP28 global goals to triple renewable capacity. There is also an obligation on the UK to support the acceleration of the global transition away from fossil fuels''.

Rishi Sunak said (31.7.23) that granting 100 new North Sea oil and gas licences was "entirely consistent" with government climate commitments. Prof Piers Forster, interim chair of the CCC, said (6.1.24) that 'continued expansion of new oil and gas reserves is inconsistent with our climate commitments'.

Wind, solar, nuclear: is it clear what they can supply and whether the national grid can support them? What part, if any, should hydrogen play? Prof Peter Taylor will attempt to clarify the evidence. He will explain current policies and suggest what policies might be needed in future, to keep the lights on, to fully meet Net Zero 2050 and beyond.

In this general election year this is the third event in our series Your World, Your Vote. Climate Action Ilkley is aiming to help citizens judge the choices which are, or should be, on offer.

Host or Publisher Climate Action Ilkley