Greens4Nuclear (G4N) are pleased to announce a landmark achievement following the passage of motion C03: Electricity Generation Policy Update at the Green Party Autumn Conference. This motion proposed updates to the current electricity generation policy and importantly dropped the blanket opposition to nuclear fission that was previously identified as Green Party policy.
The Green Party’s Energy Policy Working Group (EPWG) developed amendments for the motion over the preceding few months and successfully advanced them through the party’s policy process earlier this year. Many G4N members also worked collaboratively with EPWG to ensure all perspectives (both pro- and anti-nuclear) were considered.
EN010
Motion C03 removed the blanket opposition to nuclear fission and introduced a more evidence-based framework for assessing electricity generation technologies. The removal of anti-nuclear energy policy can best be seen in amendments EN010 (inc. EN010a & EN010b).
Previously…
“In line with the move from fossil fuels, clean electricity generation will be substantially increased, based primarily on renewable, very low carbon sources with offshore wind as a major source, supported by onshore wind, marine, solar photo-voltaic, biofuels, hydro power and geothermal.”
Following Motion C03:
EN010…
“In line with the shift to a more electrified energy system compatible with the UK’s Planetary Boundaries targets, renewable and low carbon electricity generation will be substantially increased.”
…EN010a…
“Electricity Generation will be based primarily on offshore wind, onshore wind and solar photovoltaics. Other electricity Generators that are considered low carbon include, hydroelectric power, nuclear fission, tidal power, wave power and geothermal power”
…EN010b
“Electricity generation and storage proposals (e.g. planning applications) will be assessed based on evidence and scientific research. Due considerations will be given to safety, location, health impact, food impacts, social impacts, whole energy system cost, impact on grid stability,
construction times, operational lifespan, material use, decommissioning process, waste, carbon intensity and environmental impacts. Where appropriate, this will consider the entire supply chain and lifecycle.”
EN010 has been adapted to move from specific technology endorsements, and towards an evidence-backed, innovation-friendly approach. The updated policy recognises that a range of energy technologies, including nuclear fission, may be needed to tackle the climate crisis and improve energy security.
EN011
Most significantly, the former policy commitment written in EN014 to phase out nuclear energy has been removed.
Previously (as EN014)…
“Nuclear power, coal and incineration of waste will be phased out.”
Phase-out commitments are kept for other energy sources under the new policy.
Following Motion C03 (as EN011)…
“Electricity generators that are not compatible with renewable and low carbon energy goals or the UK’s Planetary Boundaries targets, such as fossil fuels, will be phased out”
This reaffirms the Green Party’s intent to phase out fossil fuels to align with the UK’s Planetary Boundary targets, whilst recognising many alternative energy sources may be needed to meet those goals. The updated policy also introduces references to the UK’s Planetary Boundaries targets throughout the electricity generation section.
EN012
Previously (as EN015)…
“If used, biofuels will be sustainably sourced within the UK, and therefore the quantity available will be limited.”
…alongside (as EN012)…
“Carbon capture and storage (CCS) infrastructure, including a network, will be established to ensure decarbonisation of power supply by natural gas, assist industrial decarbonisation, and as a basis for future carbon sequestration.”
…is replaced by EN012…
“If used, bioenergy (e.g. biomass, biofuels, and biogas) will be sustainably sourced within the UK, primarily from waste, and therefore the quantity available will be limited. Use of Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) may facilitate modest carbon sequestration.”
The rewording of this phrase reiterates the Green Party’s intention to source sustainable biofuels within the United Kingdom, whilst expanding on the definition of biofuels, and adding the intention to specify biofuels derived from waste.
This revision appears to soften the Green Party’s previous commitment to carbon capture technologies, replacing a firm commitment with more cautious language
EN013
Previously (as EN011)…
“Continuity of supply will be ensured using the UK’s renewable energy sources and a variety of storage technologies, links to other countries’ grids and minimal use of natural gas to balance demand and supply, and consistent with meeting demand in real-time. Surplus electricity will be turned into heat and gas and stored (power to gas) or exported.”
…is replaced by EN013…
“Continuity of supply will be ensured by using diverse mixes of energy sources, energy storage, and grid firming technologies. Energy storage and grid firming proposals will be assessed based on evidence, as outlined for generators. Any residual use of natural gas for grid balancing will be phased out as soon as sufficient alternative grid balancing technologies are deployed.
International interconnectors will provide flexibility and resilience, but the security of the UK energy supply will not be structurally dependent upon importing electricity.”
The removal of natural gas as a balancing mechanism strengthens the policy’s alignment with Net Zero commitments and decrease the carbon intensity of the electricity grid, as soon as alternative grid balancing technologies are deployable.
EN014
Previously (as EN016)…
“Hydrogen will be produced from excess renewable electricity generation by electrolysis. The Green Hydrogen produced – along with synthetic fuels derived from it – will have a role in electricity generation, industry and transport. Production of hydrogen from fossil fuels will be phased out.”
A provision for potential expansion of pink hydrogen (hydrogen derived from nuclear fission) was added alongside green hydrogen in the new clause.
…is replaced by EN014…
“Hydrogen, along with synthetic fuels derived from it, may have a role in energy storage, industry and transport. Hydrogen will be produced with low carbon energy sources (e.g. Green or Pink Hydrogen). Production of hydrogen from fossil fuels (e.g. Black, Grey or Blue Hydrogen) will be phased out.”
The Green Party reaffirms limits to hydrogen production utilising fossil fuels, whilst building on the low-carbon hydrogen source optionality.
EN015
Previously (as EN013)…
“Change in the organisation of energy transmission and distribution will be accelerated to cater for increases in dispersed energy sources, demand side management and storage.”
…is replaced by EN015…
“Electricity transmission and distribution networks will be brought into public ownership, and changes will be accelerated to cater for increased electricity generation, decentralised electricity generation, energy storage and demand management.”
The new wording explicitly supports public ownership of electricity transmission and distribution networks alongside decentralised electricity generation.
In conclusion, the passing of the motion updates Green Party policy to reflect nuclear energy may be considered as part of the United Kingdom’s future energy mix, helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels whilst creating additional opportunities for low-carbon electricity generation to support the UK’s transition.
Further work in the following months will go into addressing queries raised about the new policy, and work into what an equitable and green solution including nuclear would look like in practice.
Greens4Nuclear