IChemE calls for systems approach in response to UK Government’s Energy Security Plan
30th March 2023
The UK Government’s announcement on its Energy Security Plan provides some much-needed clarity on the path the UK plans to take in providing clean and affordable energy to both the residential and industry consumers through investing and developing in UK homegrown power. The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) welcomes all measures that will drive more investment in the green energy sector, create job opportunities for the future and drive down the cost of energy for UK consumers.
As such, the proposed investment into carbon capture and storage (CCS), floating offshore wind energy, green hydrogen, and decarbonisation of power, transport, and residential heating are a step in the right direction. These ambitious plans require a systems approach which is why chemical engineers must be front and central in shaping the future direction of energy security in order to achieve net zero.
However, while CCS is an important tool on the journey to net zero, it should only be a temporary measure to allow the cleaner use of fossil fuels until the capacity for renewable energy sources has been sufficiently increased. The UK should also do more to reduce energy demand by improving the UK’s notoriously poorly-insulated housing stock. The target of insulating 300,000 out of the UK’s 20 million homes is hardly ambitious, considering that the UK has the least insulated homes in Western Europe.
IChemE supports its members in applying their expertise and experience to make an influential contribution to solving major global challenges, including achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). IChemE’s position on climate change was published in November 2020 and reflects the Institution’s commitment to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to contribute to a net zero future. Between 2020-22, IChemE’s member communities produced plans to support climate change action across multiple sectors and jurisdictions, including energy transition and clean energy. IChemE will continue to leverage the expertise and experience of its diverse members to make an informed contribution to policy debate on matters related to this Energy Security Plan.
Links
IChemE's position on climate change
Contact
For more information please contact:
Lucy Cook, Communications Manager, IChemE
t: +44 (0) 1788 534454
e: lcook@icheme.org
Claire Shepherd, Communications Executive, IChemE
t: +44 (0) 1788 534457
e: cshepherd@icheme.org
What is chemical engineering?
Chemical, biochemical and process engineering is the application of science, maths and economics in the process of turning raw materials into everyday, and more specialist, products. Professional chemical engineers design, construct and manage process operations all over the world. Oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, food and drink, synthetic fibres and clean drinking water are just some of the products where chemical engineering plays a central role.
IChemE
The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) advances chemical engineering's contribution worldwide for the benefit of society. We facilitate the development of chemical engineering professionals and provide connections to a powerful network of over 29,000 members in more than 100 countries.
We support our members in applying their expertise and experience to make an influential contribution to solving major global challenges, and are the only organisation permitted to award Chartered Chemical Engineer status and Professional Process Safety Engineer registration.