2050 Pathways Project

The UK has a legally binding obligation to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% before 2050, relative to 1990 levels. In line with this, the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has created the 2050 Pathways programme. This is designed to consider the choices and trade-offs that the UK will need to make over the next 35 years.

DECC’s work suggests that, in order for the obligation to be met, each household in the UK will need to significantly reduce its energy usage. Meanwhile, the level of electricity generated by renewable sources will need to increase by a considerable amount to lower carbon emissions. These changes will need to be balanced with security of supply considerations to ensure that supply continues to meet demand.

Decisions made in relation to energy policy today will affect the next generation. Much of the electricity supplied to UK consumers today is generated by power stations that were built decades ago. We need to ensure that we make the right choices now in order to provide cleaner, more secure energy for future generations, one where market prices are less subject to external price shocks, and where we are more in control of our own energy supply.

However, this cannot happen without consumers getting involved and taking responsibility for their own energy choices. The Co-operative Energy hopes, through User Chooser, to assist customers in making that choice, ensuring the UK is equipped to meet its current and future challenges in relation to the way we use energy.

Video produced by DECC, click https://www.gov.uk/2050-pathways-analysis for more details