The Energy Networks Association consultation on its Gas Network Innovation strategy sets out the challenges and the opportunities facing the gas transmission and distribution networks as the UK looks to decarbonise its energy system to meet climate change targets. In our response, the NFU said that bioenergy crops have a major role to play in the decarbonisation of national heat supply, and bio-based methane may indeed be the preferred fuel gas for storage, long-distance transport and multiple energy applications in heat, transport, power generation, etc.
Following the publication of its independent review of the cost of energy conducted by Prof. Dieter Helm (the Helm Review), the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy asked for stakeholder views on the matters that the Government should take into account in considering how to reduce the cost of energy in the longer term, as well as the wider recommendations of the Review. The NFU agrees with the Review's finding that the Government’s energy policy interventions are overly complex and in need of streamlining, and we would also welcome moves towards realistic carbon pricing or rewards linked to carbon savings. However, we disagree with a number of aspects of the Review's conclusions and recommendations.