BPF Meet Energy Minister Lord Hunt

A British Plastics Federation (BPF) Group led by the President Paul Jukes met the Energy Minister Lord Hunt of Kings Heath in the House of Lords on 25th November.

The BPF group comprised Paul Jukes, Brian Mann Past President and MD of McKechnie Automotive and Engineered Plastics, Peter Davis BPF Director-General and Philip Law BPF Public and Industrial Affairs Director.

The BPF specifically wanted to discuss the future security of UK Energy supply and its cost, and the effect on investment in the UK of possible power shortages in 2015-17. The Group also wanted the Government to commit to a public information programme on the benefits of Energy from Waste combustion in using unrecyclable waste to create local power and heat and save on using and importing fossil fuels.

Security of Energy supply and cost

On the question of volatile energy costs Lord Hunt said, “You need stability for investment decisions.” The Minister referred to OFGEM’s October report on four scenarios for UK energy supply and costs over the next 10-15 years. He said it contained ‘uncomfortable messages’ on future energy costs.

On the UK’s lack of gas storage (the UK can only store 15 days supply) Lord Hunt said, “Eighteen gas storage facilities are in the pipeline and the new faster planning system kicks in next year.” On power generation he said, “18 gigawatts capacity is being taken out and 22 gigawatts is being constructed.” He looks forward to the first new nuclear power station coming on stream at Christmas 2017.

Lord Hunt agreed the European Energy Market had not been liberalised and this was ‘hard going’.

Energy from Waste (EfW)

On the need for a great deal more Energy from Waste capacity in the UK Lord Hunt accepted the Government needed to assume a greater leadership role but thought local authorities should be the ‘champions’. He said there was a national need for energy and accepted proposals for many new EfW facilities would fall outside the new fast track planning system.

He agreed to send further details to the BPF on their plans on EfW.

Paul Jukes, President of the BPF said after the meeting:

“We found the Minister very open in our exchanges – ready to listen and able to give clear, concise answers. He was optimistic about future energy supplies without giving firm promises. He stressed he was keen to maintain an on-going dialogue with the BPF, which we welcome.”

Brian Mann of McKechnie Automotive and Engineered Plastics said:

“The Minister was well informed and satisfactorily addressed our concerns on pricing and security of supply for the future.”

ENDS

For further information on this press release, please contact Anthony Roberts, British Plastics Federation, 6 Bath Place, Rivington Street, London, EC2A 3JE, tel 020 7457 5043, fax 020 7457 5045, email: [email protected]

Notes for editors:

1) British Plastics Federation (BPF) is the UK trade association for the plastics industry – representing the whole supply chain including polymer producers, distributors, additives suppliers, machinery manufacturers, processors and recyclers.