Brexit energy risks laid bare

The European Union Energy and Environment sub-committee has published their report into Brexit and energy security which highlights some key concerns around so called ‘frictionless trade’.

Report’s concerns & recommendations:

• the impact of leaving the EU’s internal energy market on UK prices
• a need to set out the working relationship with the EU and plan ahead to mitigate supply shortages
• limited access to specialist workers from the EU and the risk to completing future new build nuclear capacity on time
• leaving the Euratom agreement without a replacement arrangement could affect the UK’s ability to import radioactive materials

EU key to energy costs control

Lord Teverson, chair of the committee, said: “Individuals and businesses across the UK depend on a reliable and affordable supply of energy. In recent years, the UK has achieved such a supply in partnership with the EU, working with other member states to make cross-border trade in energy easier and cheaper.

“Over the course of the inquiry the committee heard benefits of the UK's current energy relationship with the EU, and the minister acknowledged these benefits when he stated his hope that Brexit would result in as little change as possible. It remains unclear, however, how this can be achieved without remaining in the single market, IEM and the other bodies that develop and implement the EU's energy policy.”

Energy expert analysis

“The committee raises issues that are a concern across the UK’s energy sector, critically security of energy supply and impacts on costs to consumers. Addressing the lack of clarity and detail on these issues during the exit process should be a high priority in the government’s planning as we approach, perhaps, a fairly short exit transition period.” Alastair Fells MEI, Incorporated Eng, PG Dip Fuel Tech, BSc Hons

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