What's The Alternative?

The UK urgently needs to pivot towards renewable energy to shield itself from the volatility of global energy markets, especially amid geopolitical conflicts and wars abroad. Traditional energy sources like oil and natural gas are heavily influenced by international supply chains and political instability in key producing regions. When conflicts arise these supply chains are disrupted causing sharp spikes in energy prices that directly impact on ordinary people and businesses in the UK.

Renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and tidal power offer more stable and domestically-controlled alternatives. By investing in renewables the UK can reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels insulating our economy from external shocks like those caused by the war with Iran. Such energy independence enhances national security by minimising UK vulnerability to international political tensions and blockades.

Renewables can provide long-term price stability since their fuel (sunlight, wind and water) is free and inexhaustible with costs only associated with the set up and maintenance of the networks to capture and carry them and devices that use the power generated by them which are becoming cheaper. For instance, the cost of battery storage has plummeted by over 90% since 2010. [Euronews 8 May 2026]

Unlike fossil fuels, renewables are not subject to market speculation or geopolitical manipulation. This stability benefits households and industries by lowering the risk of sudden energy price surges, as are happening now, which can lead to inflation and economic hardship for the many, and it provides an opportunity for the government to decouple the price of electricity generation from the higher cost of gas in turn set by international energy markets.

In addition to economic resilience, pivoting to renewables aligns with the UK’s climate commitments promoting sustainable growth and reducing carbon emissions. Embracing renewable energy is a strategic imperative for the UK to protect our energy security, economic stability and environmental future in an increasingly uncertain global landscape. If there was ever a time to accelerate our green transition, surely it is now.

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