Energy Review: UK Chemical Industry Spells Out The Key Issues

Commenting on the Government’s publication today on the formal terms of reference for the consultation stage of the energy review, the UK Chemical Industries Association (CIA) confirmed that it would be making a major contribution to the review.

Stephen Elliott, Director, Business Environment, said:

“This consultation stage is a real chance for all stakeholders to help set the scene for future British energy policy. CIA intends to grab that chance with both hands. We represent the single most energy intensive sector in the UK, so the stakes are very high for our members.

He continued:

“What we want to see emerge later this year is a genuinely sustainable energy policy. An energy policy that helps to contain global warming but does not unilaterally put UK manufacturing out of business”.

The CIA listed the following elements it sees as crucial factors to the success of the Review.

It must:

• Result in a clear and concise energy policy
• Help to resolve supply issues
• Ensure long term competitive prices, with policy that is sensitive to EU and global realities
• Enable long term security of supply through a sensible mix of energy sources, minimising dependence on imports
• Preserve sufficient gas/oil as a basic product feedstock for the chemical industry
• Give nuclear energy full consideration as part of the energy mix
• Encourage sensible debate about the relative risks posed by different kinds of energy installation
• Demonstrate realism about the potential offered by renewable energy.