Summarised by Centrist
Four of the UK’s five remaining nuclear power stations will be closing by 2028, leaving Britain’s energy grid vulnerable.
Promises of a clean energy future are now in jeopardy, with experts warning of potential blackouts and rising energy prices.
While reliance on renewable energy is increasing, it is intermittent as it relies on wind and sunlight. Overall, electricity production in the UK has been steadily falling over the past decade.
As ageing nuclear plants close down and capacity shrinks, Britain will rely more on gas and intermittent renewables. Critics argue that the race to decarbonise will destabilise the grid and increase costs. Kathryn Porter, an energy analyst, warns that Miliband’s net zero target could lead to “very expensive” power shortages.
Despite increasing wind and solar capacity, the need remains for backup power from gas and other sources. High energy prices and the risk of blackouts could trigger political backlash before the next general election in 2029.
