The Conservatives want to put in place an offshore wind energy grid and “take the poison out of onshore wind” according to their energy policy released this week.

Shadow Prime Minister David Cameron says the Conservative policy paper “Rebuilding Security” sets out the party’s would-be programme for a reform of British energy policy.  They say their policy would facilitate action to combat the looming collapse in energy supply from 2013-2017 and 12 action points are outlined.

To encourage renewable energy, the Conservatives say:

‘We will put in place an offshore grid to reduce the uncertainty over grid connections that impacts on investment in offshore wind and marine renewables’

‘Marine Park facilities will be developed alongside the offshore grid to accelerate the development and demonstration of wave and tidal power systems’

‘We will help take the poison out of many of the planning battles surrounding onshore wind by promoting community ownership of appropriately sited wind farms, allowing host communities to retain the additional business rates and providing electricity to local residents at discounted tariffs.’

A feed in tariff for the third round of offshore wind farms is proposed, however there is no mention as to what this would mean for the current renewables obligation certificate money currently given to renewable energy generators.

Dr Neil Bentley, the CBI’s Director of Business Environment said

“Plans to accelerate the roll out of carbon capture and storage demonstration and smart meters are much-needed, but we are concerned about proposals to replace the Renewables Obligation with feed-in tariffs. This could end up increasing energy costs for businesses and consumers without increasing investment.”

In terms of wider energy policy Conservatives would:

  • Operate a streamlined planning process for large infrastructure investments
  • Facilitate nuclear power
  • Task Ministers with determining energy policy – not advisory bodies or quangos (which should be axed) and reform the energy regulator Ofgem (also leading to more quango axing)
  • Secure new contracts with LNG and pipeline gas producers across the EU and globally
  • “Deepen” trading relationships with Norway and press for the liberalisation of gas and other energy markets in the EU and Europe
  • Reform the Climate Change Levy to provide a floor price for carbon
  • Accelerate and demonstrate carbon capture and storage (despite unanswered questions regarding reduction of power station efficiency)
  • Revolutionise supply and demand by building an energy internet (i.e. smart grid)
  • Reduce demand by offering every household a green deal on energy efficiency
  • Electrify transport
  • Create a Green Investment Bank