On March 12, 2024, it was reported that the UK Government, under Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho, announced its support for the construction of new gas-fired power stations. This decision comes as part of efforts to maintain energy security while transitioning to renewable energy sources. Despite the government’s commitment to decarbonizing the UK’s power grid by 2035 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, Coutinho underscored the critical role of gas as a backup to renewable energy, reducing the risk of blackouts. The plan involves making these new gas power stations “net zero ready,” paving the way for their eventual adaptation to low-carbon technologies.

This development has stirred various reactions, with some experts acknowledging the need for gas in the immediate future, while others, including green groups and agencies like Greenpeace UK, voiced concerns over the continued reliance on fossil fuels and stressed the need for a shift towards clean energy solutions such as batteries and hydrogen.

Meanwhile, in Australia, the Clean Energy Council highlighted a notable decline in investments in renewable energy, especially for new solar and wind farms in 2023. This downtrend is particularly worrying for the industry, given the absence of new financial commitments to utility-scale wind projects within the same year. Despite this, the report also mentions significant advancements, with renewable energy supplying a record 39.4% of Australia’s electricity in 2023, indicating a growing reliance on cleaner energy forms. Additionally, the increase in rooftop solar installations and large-scale battery projects offers a glimmer of hope for the renewable sector.

Both the UK’s and Australia’s energy strategies illustrate the complex challenges of transitioning to a sustainable energy future, balancing the immediate need for energy security with long-term environmental goals.