Helm Talks - energy climate infrastructure & more14 Mars 2025

Defence versus net zero

Retreats on manifesto promises (electric vehicles and gas boilers), alongside the plans for carbon-intensive housebuilding and airport expansion, as well as renewal of the DRAX subsidy, are putting the UK’s ambition to achieve net zero electricity by 2030 at serious risk. Additionally, the cost of capital for renewable energy projects has increased, making it more challenging to meet the promised targets for offshore wind, solar, and nuclear energy. All of the above mean that the UK will almost certainly miss the 2030 target. That is before the big new challenge to net zero – defence. The sector is highly carbon-intensive. Think of all those missiles, submarines, tanks and all the infrastructure that goes with the sector. Decarbonising the defence industry is impractical; it relies on firm power and high-grade materials such as steel – no good if your tank needs recharging in the middle of the battlefield. The UK's energy infrastructure, including offshore wind farms and interconnectors, is also highly vulnerable to attacks, highlighting the need for a robust energy defence strategy. Achieving a strong defence capability requires reindustrialisation, which will in turn mean more carbon emissions and reverse the UK’s progress towards net zero territorial emissions. Integrating defence costs into the energy sector will significantly increase overall costs, necessitating a reassessment of current energy policies.

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