Today’s news coverage focuses on a variety of issues including fracking, climate change and the capacity market.
This is a local decision that has been made by the local council. We're very clear that fracking is a fantastic opportunity. It's good for jobs, the economy and strengthens our energy security.
Energy Minister, Andrea Leadsom
Fracking
The Yorkshire Post, The Guardian and Mail online today report that Friends of the Earth and Frack Free Ryedale will apply for a judicial review into the decision by the North Yorkshire County Council to allow developers to explore for shale gas. The organisations argue that the council didn’t consider the environmental concerns and the effects of fracking on climate change when making the decision.
Our view
Shale gas is a fantastic opportunity which will create jobs, boost our economy and strengthen our energy security. There is tough regulation in place to ensure that fracking can take place safely – now is the time to start exploration and find out just how much of this home grown energy supply we can get out of the ground.
Carbon Capture Storage
Business Green covers comments by Lord Deben at the Environmental Audit Committee that the government must provide an alternative to CCS by the end of the year to meet our climate change target.
Our view
We are committed to meeting our climate change targets in a way that is affordable and provides secure energy to our families and businesses. We haven’t closed the door on CCS in the UK, we are clear that it needs to come down in cost and are considering the role that it could play in the long-term decarbonisation of the UK.
Trafford power station
Utility Week reports that Carlton Power received an extension from DECC after missing a capacity market deadline on the Trafford power station project. Carlton Power commented that they are grateful for the extension and that DECC remains supportive of their project.
Our view
Today the Secretary of State has confirmed that she will grant Carlton Power an extension to meet the financial commitment milestone for Trafford power station. We recently announced reforms to the Capacity Market so we buy more electricity capacity and buy it earlier. This has sent a clear signal to investors that will encourage secure and clean energy sources as part of our long-term plan to build a system of energy infrastructure fit for the 21st century.