Policy area: Energy policy

Reports

Scoping corruption in voluntary carbon markets

This report from UK think tank RUSI provides an initial scoping review of VCM features that expose them to corruption risk. The Voluntary Carbon Markets (VCMs), designed to channel finance towards environmental preservation and help countries meet net-zero targets through the trading of carbon offsets, are facing significant challenges due to widespread allegations of weak...

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Flex appeal

This report from UK think tank Resolution Foundation looks at how to reform electricity pricing for a cleaner and cheaper energy system. This report examines how Britain’s electricity system must transform to achieve net zero emissions while keeping energy affordable for households. It provides a comprehensive assessment of the reforms needed to move from a...

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Flying start: establishing the UK as a leader in zero emission aviation

This report from UK think tank Green Alliance examines the challenges facing aviation and explores how hydrogen powered aircraft can transform the sector. Aviation is set to become an increasingly dominant source of UK emissions, growing from 8% today to 59% by 2050 as other sectors decarbonise. The UK’s world-leading aerospace sector, worth £11 billion...

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Reconciling UK migration policy with the energy transition

This report from UK think tank the Centre for European Reform looks at reconciling UK migration policy with the energy transition. In the recently published immigration white paper, the British government promised to reduce net migration by only offering skilled worker visas to applicants with jobs that pay over £38,700 a year, and which require...

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The climate emergency brake: an ambitious plan to cut UK methane emissions

This report from UK think tank Green Alliance highlights low cost interventions that could mean the UK exceeds the methane emissions pledge target. Reducing methane emissions is the fastest way to address global warming, but the UK is off track in its goal to bring them down. Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas over 80...

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UK energy security: the benefits of diversification

This report from UK think tank Green Alliance recommends the government develops a clearer strategy in 2025. As geopolitical tensions rise, securing the UK’s energy supply grows increasingly urgent. This must be achieved alongside reducing emissions and increasing affordability for users. The government’s focus on domestic energy supply overlooks the complex trade offs involved. A...

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Power losses

This report from UK think tank the Centre for European Reform looks at what's holding back European electricity trade. More electricity trade is urgently needed to curtail Europe’s risky dependence on gas imports – from Russia, the US and the Gulf – and to speed the transition to net zero. UK offshore wind will be...

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Nuclear facilities as targets of military attack

This report from UK think tank RUSI assesses drivers and Implications for nuclear safety. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its occupation of Ukrainian nuclear facilities has highlighted the threat that militaries can pose to nuclear installations. This paper aims to understand the operational and strategic logic of why states may use military force against nuclear...

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A better life

This report from UK think tank Green Alliance highlights the green route to growth and security. The UK faces a convergence of serious challenges: rising poverty, sluggish economic growth and mounting geopolitical instability, all compounded by the escalating impacts of climate change. This publication highlights how these crises are deeply interconnected, and rather than viewing...

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Turning up the heat

This report from UK think tank the Resolution Foundation looks at making the home heating transition work for low-income households. This report continues the Resolution Foundation’s series of reports looking at how changes associated with the net zero transition will impact low-to-middle income households. It deals with the issue of home heating, providing insights into...

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Opinion on climate change policy during the 2024 general election

This report from UK think tank Green Alliance examines public opinion on climate change policy during the 2024 general election. In the lead up to the 2024 general election, concerns emerged about whether public support for climate and nature policy was weakening. With political narratives increasingly focused on the costs of net zero and the...

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Generating hope

This report from UK think tank Localis looks at how the Local Power Plan can build on best practice and overcome local barriers to drive energy decarbonisation. Elected on a platform with strong emphasis on energy security and decarbonisation, the UK Government has set a goal of ‘clean power’ by 2030 and established Great British...

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2030 and beyond: Great British Energy’s role in the green transition

This report from UK think tank IPPR offers an implementation strategy for GBE’s success. The UK government created Great British Energy to help deliver secure, clean and affordable electricity. Achieving this requires bold, but focused, actions, without burdening GBE with conflicting objectives. In this report, we offer an implementation strategy for GBE’s success. We outline...

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Decreasing transport poverty in Europe through public EV chargepoints

This report from UK think tank the Social Market Foundation examines the EU's EV landscape, key challenges and policy changes. This briefing examines the EU's EV landscape, key challenges, and policy changes to ensure equitable access to this transformative tech. KEY POINTS Transport poverty affects households and businesses when adequate transport is not available, accessible,...

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Jumping the gun: racing to 2030 before the field is set

This report from UK think tank Onward examines the implications of racing towards clean energy by 2030, assessed through planning reform and public support. The expansion of clean energy generation is critical for securing Britain’s energy future, but a practical and achievable pathway is needed to deliver a decarbonised grid. Labour’s plan to reach clean...

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Related Articles

How can cities policy help the net zero agenda?

As COP26 comes to a close what are some of the changes we can make in cities that can help with the net zero agenda? A greater uptake of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) is required By Rebecca Foster (Bright Blue) The UK’s pledge to reach net zero by 2050 will ultimately require significant changes to the way...

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