Responding to a series of energy announcements by the Department of Energy and Climate Change today (Wednesday 17 July) Friends of the Earth Campaigner Oliver Hayes said:

“The Government is ignoring the advice of its own climate experts by consulting on a three-fold increase in gas power, which would wreck the UK’s chances of tackling dangerous climate change.

“It’s also clear Ministers have cast aside their commitment to not subsidise nuclear power, forcing bill payers to pick up the mammoth cheque for this dinosaur technology for up to 40 years.

“Instead of chasing out-dated and dirty energy at any cost, Ministers must set a target for UK power to be carbon-free by 2030, giving certainty to companies looking to invest in Britain’s huge clean energy resources.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. For more information see the draft Electricity Market Reform Delivery Plan published for consultation today by the Department of Energy and Climate Change.