Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Act 2006

The Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Act 2006 is in many ways typical of the hybrid measures taken to link energy and environmental issues. Until very recently, the government’s approach to energy policy was somewhat limited, as illustrated by the 2003 White Paper and mindful of its environmental obligations under the Kyoto Protocol. The 2007 White Paper – Meeting the Energy Challenge – sees the government take a much wider approach to energy policy, seeking to incorporate a number of different elements ranging from security of supply, to addressing import dependence (a part of security of supply), to addressing the energy mix (allowing for a future role for nuclear power), to addressing the planning requirements for new power projects, and looking at the future role for renewables and the regulatory requirements to permit high-cost entry to a competitive market.