Opinion: Too many energy eggs in one basket

In Decision Time, a report launched today by the CBI, the body calls for a significant shift in the direction of UK energy policy, warning the current approach is making energy security harder to achieve, and jeopardising the UK's ability to meet climate change targets.

The report states current policy, incentivising investments in wind power, will result in too little investment in other forms of low-carbon energy, such as nuclear and clean coal. The government must surely pursue policies that deliver a more balanced energy mix, including wind and other renewables, nuclear, gas and clean coal.

"The government's disjointed approach is deterring the private sector investment needed to get our energy system up to scratch, bolster security and cut emissions," said CBI deputy director general John Cridland. "While we have generous subsidies for wind power, we urgently need the national planning statements needed to build new nuclear plants. If we carry on like this, we will end up putting too many energy eggs in one basket."  And, presumably, end up upsetting the large-scale power generators who make up a considerable part of the CBI's energy policy committee.