Heavy investment in gas 'risky' says CIWEM

A low carbon economy and investment in gas should not come at the expense of renewable investment according to the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management.

Published today by the Department of Energy and Climate Change, the Gas Generation Strategy outlines the government’s plans for meeting domestic energy demands.

The strategy sets out plans for up to 37 gigawatts of new capacity by 2030 and sets to expand the shale gas industry by introducing the new Office for Unconventional Gas and Oil as a one-stop shop for shale gas regulation and investment.

But CIWEM criticised such heavy investment in gas - 'with the extent of shale gas reserves in the United Kingdom unknown' - as 'environmentally risky'.

"Whilst there will be a medium-term need for some generating capacity from gas as part of the transition to a low-carbon economy, we are concerned that the Treasury is driving the UK away from its commitments on climate change" the institute said.

"By including provision for up to 37 gigawatts of gas capacity in the Strategy, the Treasury’s proposals would add almost 50% to the 26 gigawatts of capacity advised by DECC and in the process shatter the UK’s very responsible carbon budgets."

"In addition, proposals for gas to play a more extensive role in the nation’s energy strategy could lock the nation into expensive fossil fuels if cheap shale gas fails to yield as hoped."

CIWEM’s Executive Director, Nick Reeves OBE, said: "We have long called for a renewed and long-term commitment to a renewable-centered energy mix. Regrettably, the government has now made gas central to its energy policies, rather than prioritising renewables, which will jeopardise our commitments to halting climate change."

"This is another example of the Treasury’s short-termist approach to grow the economy. This investment in gas could be better spent developing renewable energy infrastructure to secure more sustainable and affordable energy in the future."