New Energy Minister adopts “balanced” energy mix refrain

Newly appointed Energy Minister John Hayes has adopted his predecessor’s refrain of a “balanced” energy mix in his first statement since coming into the role late yesterday. Replacing Charles Hendry […]

Newly appointed Energy Minister John Hayes has adopted his predecessor’s refrain of a “balanced” energy mix in his first statement since coming into the role late yesterday.

Replacing Charles Hendry in the Prime Minister’s Cabinet reshuffle, the Tory MP declared it was “crucial time both for our energy security and for tackling climate change”.

In what some might pick up on as sign of his support for shale gas, he also highlighted the need to “make the best use of Britain’s domestic energy resources”.

In a predominantly on-message statement, he declared: “We face a major challenge to keep the lights on in the most cost-effective way. In achieving this, we must not be over-reliant on any one technology, but build a balanced low carbon mix and make the best use of Britain’s domestic energy resources and skilled workforce.

“I am keen to get on and work with businesses to secure the investment we need over the coming decade. And I look forward to working with Parliamentary colleagues to put the Coalition’s forthcoming Energy Bill into law.”

The wider energy industry will be keen to see whether he sticks to the careful line tread by the outgoing Hendry, who managed to keep oil, gas, nuclear and renewables on side.

In other news, the BBC reported Energy Secretary Ed Davey was making moves to “shield” renewables after the promotion of Mr Hayes and the new Environment Secretary Owen Paterson, who both appear to have held an anti-wind turbines stance in the past.

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