• In Focus

    Government climate policy: Economic impact

    The government is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in order to achieve ‘net zero’ emissions by 2050. This 2050 target was introduced by the Conservative government. The current government has announced several policies, including measures intended to increase UK renewable energy production. On 24 October 2024, the House of Lords is scheduled to debate the economic impact of these policies, including their impact on jobs and growth.

  • In Focus

    Offshore wind energy

    The new Labour government has committed to the expansion of offshore wind energy. This commitment has been welcomed by the offshore energy industry and by environmental organisations. However, concerns remain about how these plans might be achieved in practice while maintaining and improving the marine environment. This briefing considers some of the potential obstacles to achieving the expansion in offshore wind.

  • Research Briefing

    Lithium-ion Battery Safety Bill [HL]: HL Bill 8 of 2024–25

    Lithium-ion batteries are the most popular type of rechargeable battery and are used in a wide range of electrical devices worldwide. The Lithium-ion Battery Safety Bill [HL] would provide for regulations concerning the safe storage, use and disposal of such batteries in the UK. The bill is a private member’s bill sponsored by Lord Redesdale (Liberal Democrat). The House of Lords is scheduled to debate the bill at second reading on 6 September 2024.

  • Research Briefing

    Crown Estate Bill [HL]: HL Bill 5 of 2024–25

    The Crown Estate Bill [HL] is a government bill to widen the borrowing and investment powers of the Crown Estate. The government intends this will help speed up the development of offshore wind projects in seabed areas managed by the Crown Estate and deliver long-term financial returns to the taxpayer. It announced a partnership between the Crown Estate and Great British Energy on the same day it introduced the bill.

  • In Focus

    ‘Undergrounding’ electrical transmission cables

    There are 4,500 miles of overhead electricity transmission lines in England and Wales. This contrasts with just over 900 miles of underground cables. ‘Undergrounding’, the replacement of overhead cables with underground cables, is used in limited circumstances, such as in nationally designated landscapes. There have been calls for an increase in undergrounding. However, the government has pointed to several issues, including the higher cost of underground cables.

  • Research Briefing

    Data Protection and Digital Information Bill: HL Bill 30 of 2023–24

    The Data Protection and Digital Information Bill would amend existing data protection legislation and introduce new provisions in areas such as digital verification services and smart data. The bill was carried over from the last session and is due to have its second reading in the House of Lords on 19 December 2023.

  • In Focus

    King’s Speech 2023: Energy security and net zero

    The government has committed to reducing the UK’s carbon emissions and household energy costs while increasing energy security. In September 2023, the government announced it would be pushing back some of its previously announced net zero related deadlines, including those for the transition to electric vehicles and the phasing out of fossil fuel boilers for off-gas-grid homes. This briefing provides a summary of the government’s recent announcements.

  • In Focus

    ‘Investing in energy: Price, security, and the transition to net zero’: Economic Affairs Committee report

    In February 2022, the House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee launched an inquiry into how the government could support investment in UK energy in order to achieve greater security of supply, improve affordability and meet the UK’s net zero targets. This article summarises the committee’s conclusions and the then government’s response to its recommendations. It also provides an overview of subsequent developments in the government’s energy policies.

  • In Focus

    The future UK-EU relationship: Report by the House of Lords European Affairs Committee

    Since the Windsor Framework was agreed in February 2023, the UK and the EU agree their relationship has been on a positive trajectory. In light of this, a recent House of Lords committee report made recommendations about further opportunities for UK-EU cooperation on foreign policy, defence and security, energy security, climate change and mobility of people.

  • In Focus

    The role of nuclear in the UK’s energy supply

    The government has outlined its ambitions to significantly increase the UK’s nuclear power capacity, arguing it is the only reliable energy technology available that is able to provide a baseload level of low-carbon electricity on a large scale. However, such plans have faced criticism, particularly regarding the cost and deliverability challenges associated with large-scale nuclear projects. This article considers the debate around the future of nuclear power ahead of a House of Lords debate on the subject on 7 September 2023.

  • In Focus

    Geothermal energy: Potential for heat and power in Great Britain

    Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source that harnesses heat from the Earth's subsurface to generate power and provide heating and cooling. It potentially offers several opportunities as a sustainable and reliable energy solution. However, its adoption faces challenges, including potential environmental impacts and high costs. This article examines geothermal energy in further detail and discusses the action that successive governments have taken on it.

  • Research Briefing

    Electricity Transmission (Compensation) Bill: HL Bill 108 of 2022–23

    Electricity network operators can apply to compulsorily acquire land or land rights without the consent of landowners when installing and maintaining network infrastructure. If approved, landowners are entitled to compensation from the network operator. If a compensation dispute arises between a landowner and network operator, the level of compensation can be determined by a tribunal. The Electricity Transmission (Compensation) Bill would require the secretary of state to lay proposals before Parliament for the use of alternative dispute resolution processes to determine levels of compensation in electricity-related land acquisition cases.

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