Even the Guardian is worried about Miliband's renewable energy plans – does it make any sense?

Article by Eric Worrell

h/t michel – “…the scheme comes at a time when low wind and solar power generation has forced the UK to rely heavily on burning gas and wood pellets. …”

Ed Miliband promises 'most ambitious overhaul of UK energy system in generations'

The energy secretary will set out plans to boost renewable energy supplies, such as building solar panel canopies on outdoor car parks

Guardianship
Friday, December 13, 2024 16:00 Australian Eastern Time

Ed Miliband promised “the most ambitious overhaul of the national energy system in generations” as he pushed ahead with plans to accelerate the development of onshore wind farms in England.

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Find out more: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/dec/13/ed-miliband-pledges-most-ambitious-reforms-to-uk-energy-system-in- Generations

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said the proposals would generate £40bn a year for the private sector.

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The scheme comes at a time when low wind and solar power generation has forced the UK to rely heavily on burning natural gas and wood pellets. As of Thursday, about 65% of the UK's electricity came from natural gas and biomass, with only 5.3% coming from wind.

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Miliband said: “Our nation's new era of clean electricity offers a positive vision for the UK's future, including energy security, lower electricity bills, good jobs and climate action. This can only be achieved through big, bold changes That’s why the government is launching the most ambitious overhaul of our energy system in generations.

“The Clean Power Era is about harnessing the power of Britain's natural resources so we can protect working people from the disruption of global energy markets.

“The Clean Energy Sprint is the national security, economic security and social justice fight of our time, and this plan gives us the tools we need to win that fight for the British people.”

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Find out more: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/dec/13/ed-miliband-pledges-most-ambitious-reforms-to-uk-energy-system-in- Generations

The UK lies between 51° and 60° north latitude. In winter, when people really need to heat their homes, UK daylight hours are around 7 hours (or less). The skies are overcast for much of the winter, and sometimes the sun is barely visible for months. Winter winds are also erratic—some of the coldest winter nights have no wind at all.

All of this should be obvious to anyone who has lived in the UK. If places like sunny Australia can't harness solar and wind power to replace coal and gas, then there's no hope for far northern countries like the UK.

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