UK Energy Policy
The UK, like the rest of the world, faces unprecedented challenges to our environment, our economy, and the future security of our energy supplies – and the decisions we make now will affect the planet and our way of life for generations to come. The lead government department for UK Energy Policy charged with tackling these challenges is the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC).
DECC was created in October 2008, bringing together energy policy (previously with BIS - the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills), and climate change mitigation policy (previously with Defra - the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs). This new Department reflects the fact that climate change and energy policies are inextricably linked – two thirds of our emissions come from the energy we use. Decisions in one field cannot be made without considering the impacts in the other.
DECC's overall objectives are to ensure that the UK's energy is secure, affordable and efficient, bring about the transition to a low carbon UK and to achieve an international agreement on Climate Change.
DECC is in the process of setting up an Office for Renewable Energy Deployment (ORED), to take the lead responsibility for driving delivery and deployment of renewables in the UK to meet our renewable energy targets, as set out in the Renewable Energy Strategy.
As the sponsoring department for UK business, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has a close interest in the development of energy and climate change policy both domestically and internationally. Developments in these areas have implications for the business sector, not least in the business opportunities they create. BIS seeks to ensure that UK businesses and workers are equipped to maximise the economic opportunities and minimise the costs of the transition to a low carbon economy. In pursuit of this aim, BIS has published jointly with DECC a Low Carbon Industrial Strategy.
As the department responsible for the UK’s foreign policy, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) also has a close interest in energy and climate change policy, both of which have major international dimensions.
UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) is a joint operation of the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and is the UK government’s lead organisation for the support of UK companies looking to develop international business. UKTI also provides support to overseas companies wishing to set up or expand in the UK.
The Crown Estate is deeply involved in the management of the UK’s energy resources, through the licensing of offshore areas for energy projects such as pipelines and windfarms.
UK Energy Presentation
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