Investment in low-carbon, large-scale sources of electricity - from tidal ...

Investment in low-carbon, large-scale sources of electricity - from tidal to nuclear to clean coal - are key to future energy policy in the UK, recommends a new report published by the Council for Science and Technology (CST). The report - entitled An Electricity Supply Strategy for the UK - is available at www.cst.gov.uk The report calls for a new strategic approach in response to changing energy sources and the challenge of climate change. Public engagement also has a key role to play in addressing the broader issues, including the different options, to help government make more responsive and timely decisions. The CST, the government's top-level advisory body on science and technology policy issues, has made a number of recommendations in the report addressing the key energy policy issues, which include: · Immediate investment in large scale, low-carbon, energy generation facilities to meet the government's carbon dioxide reduction targets. · Keeping the nuclear option open and placing more emphasis on carbon sequestration and tidal power. · Government investment in R&D should be aimed at new and renewable fuel sources, energy management, storage and improving the supply and training of skilled workers in the UK. · Development of the transmission network, its protection mechanisms and metering systems to facilitate distributed and diverse generators, ranging from commercial to domestic units; and to address the regulatory issues arising from this form of generation.