The union was responding to today’s (Wednesday) scathing report from the energy select committee into the Future of carbon capture and storage in the UK.

Speaking on behalf of more than 22,000 members working in energy generation, distribution, transmission, decommissioning and research, Prospect deputy general secretary Garry Graham said:

“This report reflects the views of many in the industry that the government does not understand the energy challenges facing the UK and the need to provide confidence for companies to invest for the long term.

“Unless industry has confidence and stability, our ability to meet our climate change obligations and keep the lights on is in jeopardy.

"The UK should be a world leader in low-carbon energy technology. But government statements are long on rhetoric and short on substance in setting out a strategy that will meet our future energy needs and sustain high-quality jobs.

“The report builds on earlier comments about declining energy margins and energy security from the Confederation of British Industry, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and others,” Graham concluded.

Prospect is calling for an energy transition plan that:

* urgently reviews carbon taxes and future capacity payments to create incentives to invest in new technology

* retains a balanced energy policy

* enables investors to plan the transition to a low-carbon economy

* ensures workers develop the high-tech skills needed for future energy needs

* provides more investment in energy research and development.

Ends

For more information, please contact:

Garry Graham: [email protected] 07713 511703

Katherine Beirne: [email protected] 020 7902 6625