Energy Sovereignty

Why aren’t Reform UK pursuing the energy sovereignty that electrification, heat pumps and renewable generation can offer the UK?

Why fuck all that up to pursue the dwindling fossil fuels left in the North Sea if you aren’t going to nationalise the little of what’s left there and prioritise using it for the national transition?

There’s not enough oil and gas in the UK land and waters to effect the global market price, so you don’t get cheaper bills just higher profits for the big oil companies.

Take Back Control!!!

According to physicist Saul Griffith, if we electrify the whole world economy, we will need less than half of the primary energy we currently use.

‘Electrifying everything does not solve the climate crisis, but it is a great start‘ (The Economist, Jun 23rd 2022).

On the Dengie, the costs of reliance on foreign energy are already feeding through to extra costs for farmers, the car dependent, houses on domestic oil for heat and hot water and shoppers in general.

Taking inspiration from Lester Beall’s posters for the Rural Electrification Administration in the USA, I created some new images:

Rural households that rely on heating oil to warm their homes and provide hot water face surges in their bills as reserves declines and wars disrupt supply.

Electrification can bring energy sovereignty and end dependence on foreign sources of fuel. Mature heat pump technology can heat or cool homes as required.

How much will heating oil cost this winter?

Farms that rely on diesel to fuel their vehicles and petrochemicals for fertilisers, and biocides face surges in their costs as reserves declines and wars disrupt supply.

Nature-friendly farming methods and electrification can bring energy sovereignty and end dependance on foreign sources of fuel.

Renewable energy and sustainable farming can work together.

Agrivoltaics offer opportunities to optimise land use, diversify income streams, and gain energy independence.

Rural mobility requires options beyond the private automobile and all the costs of car dependence.
Electrified public transport, e-car clubs and e-bikes offer transport options for longer distances – and no more dependence on imported oil and gas.