The UK’s energy systems can be fast-tracked to decarbonisation by focusing on three key policy areas, according to a report published by a team from Oxford University.
The Policy Brief report brings together the outcomes of last year’s OPEN Forum on Risk and Resilience, where ZERO Institute’s senior researchers, led by Dr Radhika Khosla and supported by Gustė Gurčinaitė, discussed three pillars for policy action, in conversation with professional policy makers from the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero and the Faraday Institution.
The full report, published in February, encourages UK policymakers to focus on national strategies for:
- increasing energy storage,
- reforming electricity markets and
- reducing energy demand.
This strategy will not only create a more resilient energy system but also be crucial in the UK’s ambition of reaching Net Zero by 2050.
One key recommendation is the need for a massive scaling up of energy storage capacity which would also offer considerable economic opportunities for the UK. The researchers highlight the importance of, for example, accelerating the development of alternative battery storage technologies and developing a domestic battery recycling industry to reduce reliance on raw mineral imports and lower emissions.
Electricity market reforms will need to be implemented carefully, as the report suggests that no single optimal model currently exists. The authors recommend that strategy should be informed by drawing knowledge from international practice combined with more research, clarifying long-term objectives and deliberation with diverse stakeholders.
The report also calls attention to the limited scrutiny that energy demand reduction initiatives have so far received from national and local policymakers. This has slowed necessary investments and the much-needed energy demand reductions in the built environment, for example.
The analysis entitled ‘Navigating risk and building resilience in the UK’s energy system: Three pillars for policy action’ is produced by Oxford University, namely Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment in collaboration with the ZERO Institute and the Oxford Policy Engagement Network.
