The future of energy must be fair, as well as green
“Energy is at the very heart of our lives. It warms our homes. It drives the industries and services on which everything depends, and it’ll be at the forefront of the UK’s economic recovery.
“The landscape is shifting for how power is generated and distributed, and how jobs are being transformed in the new world of green energy.
“Access to affordable energy is as important as access to water. And fuel poverty remains a huge blight in too many families.
“That’s why campaigning on fuel poverty is something the union continues to focus on.
“With the added investment from the government in nuclear energy, the debate about the future of green and clean energy becomes even more important.
“As we’ve seen from climate activists, and from climate emergencies around the world, this is the defining issue of our time. The rapid decarbonisation of the economy is underway.
“The UK’s last coal-fired power station, Ratcliffe, closed earlier this year. A transition away from fossil fuels is necessary for our planet. But it must be just.
“Great British Energy in Aberdeen, with its £8.3bn in seed-funding, is a chance to shape public ownership, delivering clean power and clean, unionised jobs.
“Green Energy Wales is another opportunity. A publicly owned renewable energy developer, and a chance to ensure new energy models. To embed the principles of equality, security and decent work.
“The pace of change since last summer has been extraordinary. Renewables supply more than half the UK’s electricity for the first time.
“Major upgrades to the grid are underway. Large-scale carbon capture projects are moving ahead, and companies like Scottish Power and National Grid are expanding their workforces.
“These developments show what’s possible. But they also show the scale of the challenge. Skills shortages, insecure contracts and workforce displacement all loom if we don’t get the transition right.
“We’ll be making sure the green jobs of the future are accessible to all. This isn’t just for investors and ministers, but for workers and the public too.”
Notes to editors:
– UNISON’s annual energy conference took place today (Sunday) at ACC Liverpool, Kings Dock Street, Liverpool L3 4FP. This will be followed by the union’s national conference, which takes place from Tuesday to Friday (17 to 20 June). Issues to be discussed include the future of the NHS, the employment rights bill, migrant workers, apprenticeships and local government reorganisation. Christina McAnea’s speech to the conference is at noon on Wednesday. Further details can be found here.
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
Media contacts:
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: [email protected]
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: [email protected]