Hinkley Point C Can Be Built in 2 Years – An Open Letter
An open letter written by Mark Turner who believes that the UK solar industry is capable to build Hinkley Point C in 2 years
Open letter to Mr David Cameron
Mark Turner, Operations Director writes to Mr David Cameron to reiterate the need for sustainable power generation.
Dear Mr David Cameron
The UK Solar Industry Can Build Hinkley Point C in 2 Years
I am writing to you as Operations Director of Lightsource Renewable Energy, the UK’s leading solar power generator, and also as a consumer of electricity in this country. As you are aware, Ofgem has made recent announcements that our country will suffer an energy drought by 2015 as old coal fired power stations are decommissioned. To avoid the ever increasing risk of blackouts, £110b needs to be urgently spent replacing the 20% of the UK’s capacity scheduled to be turned off by 2018. Whilst the announcement of Hinkley Point C will make a material contribution to plugging the gap without further perpetuating our dependency on fossil fuels, this new power station will only be of use in 10 years’ time at the earliest.
It is our belief that something needs to be done now to address our energy security needs. We must act to protect consumers from energy prices that have risen by over 25% since 2009. We urge you to move from debating about taxes on energy bills and take a serious look at how our future energy needs can be met sustainably. Only then can we gain true energy security in pricing as well as supply.
We believe that solar power can provide energy security quickly, reduce electricity bills and protect the environment at the same time. It not only provides for the local electricity demand, but contributes to the stability of the rural economy and creates local jobs. The solar sector in the UK is gaining traction and the experience in Italy and Germany has shown that the solar industry has the capability to deliver the same energy production as Hinkley Point C in less than 2 years and at a comparable cost. However, announcements such as those you made yesterday will shake investor’ confidence in the important role the Government has to play in providing the modest and declining support that this nascent business sector receives until it becomes fully self-sufficient.
As a nation, we have the capability to take this matter into our own hands, by educating ourselves about responsible power generation and looking at the options available. Solar power will not be the entire solution but if we supported the deployment of renewables then within a couple of years we could have over 15% of the UK’s energy mix completely free from the vagaries of the global fossil fuel markets. This would then combine with the 7% from Hinckley Point C when it eventually comes on stream. We urge you to provide more education and resource to the nation regarding the true benefits of solar power technology and make the nation aware that we can take this whole matter into our own hands if we chose to.
Yours Sincerely
Mark Turner
Operations Director
News
25 Apr, 2024
Experts in the field: Agriculture and solar working together
The mutually beneficial relationship between solar energy and agriculture can take many different forms.
24 Apr, 2024
Behind the scenes at Lightsource bp’s first battery energy storage project
Our Tiln battery project has now been energised. Here’s why this is a key milestone in our mission to build a renewable-powered grid.
19 Apr, 2024
Brazil’s Milagres Solar ranked in the top 10 for energy generation
Among the 13GW of utility-scale solar farms in operation in Brazil, two of Lightsource bp’s Milagres solar farms have ranked in the top 10 for renewable energy generation.
19 Apr, 2024
What is Biodiversity Net Gain, and how will it help nature?
Nature is vanishing at an alarming rate. This is no less than a crisis, with biodiversity loss affecting public health, food security, and efforts to curb climate change.
16 Apr, 2024
Do solar panels work on cloudy days?
Solar panels continue to generate renewable electricity even on gloomy days, but how does this work and what effect does cloud have on generation?
09 Apr, 2024
World Economic Forum brief: Clean energy as a catalyst for a nature-positive energy transition
World Economic Forum brief examining how building renewable energy can help biodiversity and leave ecosystems in better shape than they found them.
08 Apr, 2024
Solar summits to task force – Lightsource bp’s 2024 Q1 event highlights
We hit the ground running to kick off 2024 at Lightsource bp. Here's a glimpse of the highlights from a range of events we have been a part of so far.
12 Mar, 2024
2024 utility-scale solar projects in progress
For over a decade, Lightsource bp has been supporting businesses and communities with affordable and reliable solar power.
08 Mar, 2024
Celebrating International Women’s Day 2024
International Women’s Day is a global celebration to raise awareness and advocate for women's rights. We asked some of our team members what it means to them.
23 Feb, 2024
Cultivating success: Lightsource bp’s vibrant growth in Taiwan through cultural adaptability
Lightsource bp’s Taiwan team organised a lunar year-end appreciation gathering in the town of Budai in Chiayi County, the very site of its pioneering fishery solar project.