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The UK government wants nuclear energy to be given the same distinction as renewable energy in Britain. This move by the government would act as a stimulant to atomic energy in Britain. However, it would considerably lower the investments in the renewable energy sector.
The main advantage that the renewable sector has is the stipulation that a sizable amount of energy has to come from renewables. The move by the government would remove this advantage of the renewable energy sector.
The Renewable energy target for 2030 will be dissolved after the member states can generate 20% of its electricity from renewable sources. UK now plans for multiple low carbon technologies, such as renewables, nuclear and carbon capture and storage, competing against each other. For this reason UK no longer wants to uphold its 2030 renewable energy target. However, it still needs a target of some kind for the year 2030 in relation to the energy sector. The new target would feature nuclear energy along with nuclear sources to complete its aims.
This energy outlook is bound to cause a lot of controversy, especially among the green groups and environmentalists. Analysts state that renewables and nuclear competing against each other is not a level playing field. The nuclear sector has gained advantage from public subsidies for over six decades. On the contrary renewable does not enjoy much backing and support.
The renewable energy sector is already facing threats from anti-renewable lobbyists that demand cut backs on subsidies for wind farms and solar projects. Analysts have warned that the current stand by the government would threaten companies who have made investments in renewable sectors in the country. The more to provide a stimulant to the nuclear sector could actually backfire and may provide a boost to the gas industry instead.
Critique’s state that the stance by the UK government to enhance on the nuclear sector seems a waste when in turn it could focus on renewables and create thousands of jobs in UK.