The Evil European

Energy policy in the UK over the last 20 years has been shown for what it is....a complete fuck up. During the Thatcher years, the all conquering free-market was to lead to a glorious golden age of cheap, clean and efficient energy. Looks like we are going any of these.

A total lack of planning, policy or direction from the DTi has resulted in the UK heading towards an energy crunch in 5-8 years. The shift to gas has also left the UK increasing exposed to fluctuating energy prices and the whims of the Kremlin.

Put in this light, the relatively recent decision to build a new generation of nuclear plants is a panicked decision designed to get the UK out of the whole its created. I am not against nuclear power per sa. its the expense, mess and danger of current and near-future designs that is rather off putting. The UK has a terrible track record for planning the entire nuclear life cycle. Fusion, as I have detailed earlier, looks more promising for the long term. However, until then, power is still required.

There is no long term approach to power generation that is renewable, sustainable or stable. The UK is committed to 20% renewable by 2020, but the opposition to renewable energy like wind is going to make this hard.

I have to say I get rather pissy at anti-wind farm types. They want and need energy as much as the next person, but they dont want it in their back yard. Personnely, I think that nuclear power stations should be built there instead, see how they like that.

However, everyone is going to have to accept responsibility for energy generation and consumption. We are all going to have to be more efficient (not like the free-market) and think before we act. It should be up to the west, and Europe in particular to take a led in these issues.

Ah fuck, I have run out of things to say and I cant be bothered adding more.