Making the UK a clean energy superpower

Over the weekend I was asked to comment on our new Government’s plans for energy.

At E.ON we believe now is the time to seize the initiative to pave the way for a better future. We absolutely support the ambition to make the UK a clean energy superpower - and the votes for those parties with a strong focus on reaching net zero reinforces that this point is important for the people of Britain.

We are ready to work with GB Energy to invest in the UK and deliver tangible benefits to local communities quickly.

With the right policy framework, companies like E.ON will be able to bring hundreds of millions of pounds in investment to help reinvigorate our economy, create jobs and promote wellbeing, improving security of energy supplies and, most importantly, making energy more affordable.

We’re already doing exactly that with our pioneering Sustainable Energy Partnership with Coventry City Council: co-investing in projects that will build the future city around the themes of sustainability and fairness. These are the kinds of projects with which GB Energy can make the quickest difference to the country.

Earlier this year we asked more than 10,000 people around the country what they thought of net zero and the energy transition and there was overwhelming desire to see more done on tackling the climate crisis and driving real change in how we make and use energy. 

Around the country we are delivering on our pledge as the playmaker in the energy transition to invest at scale in the UK’s energy future. Projects including the UK-first ectogrid heat system at Silvertown in East London, investing in battery storage at Uskmouth, solar at the Port of Liverpool and our geothermal energy solution for the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham. 

Extending our heat network in the Lower Don Valley would bring even more investment in UK infrastructure, in greater sustainability and in creating better jobs and skills in our communities.

Our plans would more than double the size of our district heating network in Sheffield and allow us to potentially tap industrial waste heat for sustainable energy use, while also connecting new businesses and homes to a source of lower carbon, cost-effective heating.

We are the playmakers in creating a more sustainable UK through projects like this around the country and with Sheffield’s bold steps to become a zero-carbon city by 2050.

There is a huge opportunity to make the energy transition an even greater force for good, making energy more affordable and sustainable while also helping to grow the UK economy.