A matter of national security

Britain’s net zero drive is being energised by events far from its shores. War in the Gulf has provided yet another shock to the economy and highlighted the nation’s serious energy vulnerabilities.

High market volatility and rising fears over energy supplies are having an impact.

And against the uncertain global backdrop, energy efficiency and sustainability have moved high up the agenda – both nationally and in Lancashire boardrooms.

Leading the charge, energy secretary Ed Miliband has vowed to “double down” on clean energy, alongside government moves to break the link between gas and electricity prices.

He used a speech in Westminster in April to set out the government’s plans for an increased drive for homegrown clean power through both nuclear and renewables.

The minister spelled out why the UK is so exposed, highlighting that 30 per cent of electricity generation comes from gas, while 70 per cent of industrial processes also rely on fossil fuels. And even when renewables and nuclear are used, gas often sets the price.

Miliband said recent turbulence in global energy markets had underlined how “the era of fossil fuel security is over, and the era of clean energy security must come of age.”

And he vowed that the government would “double down, not back down” on the transition journey.

In his rallying call he declared: “We have not a moment to waste. Every solar panel we put up, every wind turbine we build, every heat pump we install, every EV on the road makes our country more secure.”

The speech followed weeks of government announcements that have included contracts for small modular reactors and consent for the UK’s largest ever solar project.

The energy secretary told his audience: “For Britain and so many other countries, clean energy is now the only route to financial security, energy security and indeed national security.

“In response to recent events, our actions must now be faster, deeper and more wide-ranging if we are to protect our security. We have not a moment to waste.”

The government has unveiled a raft of proposals including using public land to house renewable energy generating sites.

Reducing the way gas price spikes are transmitted into UK electricity bills is also on the agenda. The government wants to shift older, clean energy projects - which account for about one-third of Britain’s electricity generation - onto fixed-price contracts.

They would be paid their own renewable energy price rather than the market electricity price, which is often set by gas, plus any previously agreed subsidy.

The aim is to bring them more in line with more recent renewable energy developments, which already pay a fixed price.

The government says the move will give both generators and consumers protection from sudden international gas price movements where they “deliver clear value for money”.

Steps will also be taken to streamline planning, land access and grid connection rules aimed at speeding upgrades and clean generation.

The energy secretary has also vowed to accelerate efforts to drive electrification across the economy. He said: “Even before the Iran war we were seeing record demand for technologies like rooftop solar, batteries, heat pumps and electric vehicles. And in the teeth of this crisis, for totally understandable reasons, demand for them is surging.”

Miranda Barker, chief executive of East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce and Industry and chair of RedCat, the county’s low carbon innovation agency, says it is vital action is taken on energy security and believes some progress is being made.

She says: “Our two worst pressures financially on business and households since covid have been energy price shocks caused by global events and our dependence on overseas energy sources.

“We achieved 51 per cent of electricity production in 2025 from renewables and over 44 per cent of energy production was renewably sourced with no coal in the mix for the first time.

Now she wants to see a firm commitment for the UK to work towards a target of full-energy self-sufficiency – either in a decade’s time or at a sensibly agreed date.

And she adds: “This should be a policy decision agreed across all political parties. It needs to be a long-term target with financial commitment.”

Businesses in Lancashire are focused on energy efficiency and sustainability. In 2026, energy isn’t just something managed in the background. It’s becoming a key part of how competitive and resilient an organisation is.

Last year’s independent, government backed Willow Review Report found that 67 per cent of SMEs that adopted sustainable practices, like installing solar panels or selling energy back to the grid, reported reduced operational costs – a clear return on investment.

Generating electricity on site helps shield companies from fluctuating market prices and enhances longer-term operational resilience. Combined with battery storage, solar installations can smooth periods of high demand and reduce exposure to external supply volatility.

Crow Wood, the multi-award-winning hotel and spa resort in Burnley, has created a solar farm on its grounds. The 1MW farm, with its 2,200-plus solar panels generates enough clean energy to power around 350 homes annually.

It is all about on-site self-sufficient, renewable energy delivering commercially for the venue.

Speaking last year Oliver Brown, managing director at Crow Wood, said: “With rising energy use from facility investments and market conditions, this was a strong long-term investment and a good Corporate Social Responsibility initiative that resonates.”

In the Lancashire village of Bretherton, local firm GA Pet Food Partners is partnering with the parish council in a pioneering project to deliver a renewable energy park.

If it gets the green light, its wind turbine and around 17,000 solar panels, alongside battery storage, will deliver power both to the business and to the local community.

The 40-year project will save GA an estimated £34.1m over its life, and deliver a secure low cost zero-carbon energy supply.

Those behind the joint venture say it will enable the energy intensive business to significantly transition to renewable wind and solar power and help protect it against future volatility.

And five per cent of all generated electricity will be routed directly to the village, allowing capacity for conversion from carbon-based heating.

A planning application was submitted to Chorley Council in December and the Bretherton Energy Partnership is currently working through the consultation process.

David Colgan, head of environmental and energy at GA Pet Food Partners, says: “Things are moving in a positive direction.”