Gas generation strategy

The UK faces a threefold energy challenge: how to keep the lights on, at affordable prices while moving towards a sustainable low-carbon future. The Government believes that the best way to meet these goals is with a competitive, diverse, low carbon energy mix. Gas currently forms an integral part of the UK's generation mix and is a reliable, flexible source of electricity. Using gas as fuel in UK power stations currently provides a significant proportion of the country's electricity generation (around 40% in 2011). The Government expects gas to continue to play a major role in the electricity mix over the coming decades, alongside low-carbon technologies. Gas is also the cleanest fossil fuel and will have a key role in decarbonising the UK's economy. Also gas-fired power stations are relatively cheap and quick to build, and investment in new gas plants will offer employment opportunities throughout the country.
The strategy is divided into 7 chapters: Chapter 1: Current role of gas generation; 2: Future role of gas generation; 3: Enabling investment in gas generation; 4: Ensuring secure and affordable gas supply; 5: Developing shale resources; 6: Carbon capture and storage; 7: Next steps.