Industry NewsThe UK energy infrastructure is in serious risk of collapse without a major influx of investment as soon as possible, according to a new report from the Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE). Presenting a review of the UK's utility infrastructure as a basis of lobbying the new coalition Government, ICE has indicated that the system for the supply of power presents the largest concerns, and is unsustainable beyond 2015.
The ICE report entitled, 'The State of the National Infrastructure 2010' gives the energy sector a D score, which means that it is 'at risk' and only one step above E – 'not fit for purpose'. The main issue was regarding security supply and the lack of spare capacity going forward. It states the new Government needs to make decisions now and take decisive action over the next five years regarding the future fuel mix. Part of this will be the development of a clear national strategic roadmap for long term delivery, and enhanced funding mechanism.
Commenting on the report, Graham McQuarrie, a spokesman for the National Grid, suggested the report findings were, "slightly misleading" adding, "Spare capacity at the moment is healthy, partly as a result of the recession; demand has gone down," he said. "Even though some power stations are due to close over the next few years, there is a lot of new generation including gas-fired power stations and wind already being built or with planning permission."
Former ICE president and chair of the project steering group David Orr, stated, "Infrastructure underpins the very existence of civilised society, so finding two crucial sectors - energy and local transport - to be 'at risk' is very worrying for the nation's future development and productivity." He added, "There is only a small window of opportunity to address this - the decisions we make in the next five years will determine the future livelihood of our nation."