The UK and US have committed to scaling the renewable sector in a bid to increase energy independence and reduce the cost of energy.
Grant Shapps and Jennifer Granholm, Secretary of State for the newly formed Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) and Secretary for Energy for the US, respectively, reaffirmed a commitment to “stand united” in delivering a cleaner, cheaper and more secure energy future following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
As the pair met for the first time in London, both emphasised a need to boost renewable energy and nuclear production to support European partners in securing their own energy independence. This will also boost net zero prospects in the UK and US with renewable energy generation touted as one of the cheapest methods in producing energy.
“Secretary Granholm and I stand shoulder to shoulder in our unending support for Ukraine, and in ensuring that neither Putin nor any tyrant ever think they can hold the world to ransom through their energy supply,” said Grant Shapps.
“The war has shown the UK, the US and countries the world over the need for ever greater energy independence, fueled by moves away from fossil fuels and towards home grown sources like renewables and nuclear. Today I’m pledging to deliver that energy independence – backed by my ambition for lower wholesale electricity prices in the longer term.
“This will also open up opportunities for UK and US companies to work together at the cutting edge of these technologies while also strengthening the historic ties of cooperation between our two countries.”
On 23 February, Shapps set out his plan for the future of Britain’s energy, with the secretary declaring his ambition for the UK to have the lowest wholesale electricity prices in Europe by 2035. Part of his strategy to achieve this includes driving forward “huge” nuclear projects.
The DESNZ was announced as part of a government reshuffle earlier this month, following the division of the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). Its key priorities include energy security, maintaining the UK’s net zero target and improving domestic energy efficiency.
“The United States stands alongside the United Kingdom in support of Ukraine against Russia’s brutal war and its weaponisation of energy markets. We are keenly aware that remaining overly reliant on fossil fuels puts our energy security at risk and that the solution lies in diversifying our fuel sources through the deployment of clean energy,” said Granholm.
“The Biden-Harris Administration has put into place powerful tools such as the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to lower costs and advance new energy technologies, and we look forward to continue building on a long history of collaboration around our shared clean energy ambitions that will deliver homegrown security and greater independence.”
