Environment & Energy
Latest Environment & Energy Publications
Small Modular Reactors: The next big thing in energy?
Small modular nuclear reactors could be a crucial technology in the drive to decarbonise our energy system, according to Small Modular Reactors: The next big thing in energy? The increased take-up of electric vehicles, the general electrification of our energy system and the need to decarbonise all sectors of our economy mean we need new low carbon sources of electricity and heat to replace existing capacity and meet rising future demands. We need a reliable and affordable low-carbon form of energy – small modular reactors have the potential to be that technology.
Farming Tomorrow
This major new Policy Exchange report sets out the once in a generation opportunity that Brexit offers our nation to reform its agricultural and environmental policy. Since 1973, UK farm and food policies have conformed to the rules and objectives of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) — the EU’s principal policy programme. Doing so has, at great expense, reduced Britain’s agricultural productivity by lessening competition and supporting inefficient farmers. It has also increased costs for consumers. This report outlines opportunities to improve policy by focusing on four main interest groups: consumers, producers, the wider rural economy, and the environment. This report offers timely and comprehensive analysis and answers to some of the most pressing policy questions of our day.
Clean Growth: How to boost business energy productivity
The Government should establish a new Energy Efficiency Delivery Unit and Energy Performance Certificates should be linked to business rates to incentivise landlords to invest more in energy efficiency, according to Clean Growth, the new report from Policy Exchange’s influential and expert Energy and Environment team. The report calls for a new approach by Government to encourage investment in business energy efficiency to reduce carbon emissions and improve business productivity. Existing tools like the Energy Saving Opportunity Scheme can be much better used – and must be extended to public sector institutions like the NHS and MoD.
Latest Environment & Energy Blogs
Are we really on the cusp of a ‘hydrogen economy’?
Hydrogen is making headlines again, but is the excitement justified? Josh Burke examines if we are really on the cusp of a ‘hydrogen economy’ and why the Government is right to target investment at lowering the high cost of producing large volumes of low carbon hydrogen.
Network problems: The peculiar case of home heating in Northern Ireland
The recent cold snap – and the ensuing spike in home heating oil prices – underscores the decarbonisation challenge in Northern Ireland, argues Policy Exchange’s Matt Rooney.
Turning on the tap of reform: the UK water market and how consumers – and the environment – are losing out
Environment and Energy Research Fellow at Policy Exchange, Josh Burke, explores the recent speech by DEFRA Secretary Michael Gove on the water industry and finds much to praise – but also that there is more reform needed.
Latest Environment & Energy News
Michael Taylor gives evidence to Environment Committee
Farmers should be rewarded for land stewardship and public goods, and removing tariffs will increase consumer choice and keep prices down, helping the poorest most. That was the message Policy Exchange’s Economics Research Fellow Michael Taylor gave to the EFRA Select Committee when discussing Farming Tomorrow, our seminal report on opportunities for replacing the Common Agricultural Policy after Brexit.
Policy Exchange report on Small Modular Reactors features in Financial Times
Policy Exchange’s report on Small Modular Reactors featured in a Financial Times
Modern farming policy will reward enhancing the environment, rather than subsidising inactivity
Policy Exchange’s Warwick Lightfoot argues in City AM that farming subsidies should be redirected to farmers who enhance the environment and invest in research and development.
Latest Environment & Energy Events
Burn Out: The endgame for fossil fuels
April 27, 2017Dieter Helm’s new book, Burn Out: the endgame for fossil fuels, was launched at Policy Exchange on the 27th April 2017
Going Round in Circles: Developing a new approach to waste policy following Brexit
March 23, 2017To mark the launch of the report, Policy Exchange held an event to discuss both the proposals made in the report, and broader questions concerning the future direction of waste and resources policy following Brexit
Developing a Modern Industrial Strategy
March 20, 2017This major conference gathered together leaders from the fields of politics, academia and business to debate the shape of the emerging Industrial Strategy.
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