UK Needs Plan To Power 36 Million Electric Cars By 2040?
GMB, the union for
energy workers, has called on the Government to plan and invest now in major
infrastructure to deal with growing electricity demand.
The comments come as
the National Grid publishes its annual "˜Future Energy Scenarios' report,
predicting demand will grow significantly by 2050, driven by increased
electrification of transport and heating.
Justin Bowden, GMB
National Secretary said:
"These future scenarios should be a wake-up call, signalling
the urgent need for planning and investment to deal with growing electricity
demand.
"In three out of four scenarios, this report shows gas
continuing to provide more energy than electricity by 2050 and remaining the
dominant form of heating well into the 2030's.
"Amidst growing
demand for electricity, Ministers' commitment to the key role gas has to play
in our energy mix is a welcome dose of common sense. Lower carbon gas,
alongside new nuclear and renewables, are crucial in providing reliable,
flexible and affordable energy supplies for the foreseeable future.
"We need a
balanced and credible energy policy that guarantees security of supply,
reasonable prices and lower and zero carbon energy sources to support the
economy and protect the environment."