The government has announced its new “Energy and Security Strategy”. Obviously, the focus will be on renewals and nuclear. But will eight new nuclear power stations ever be commissioned even if these are going to be located on the existing power station sites? Will the new offshore wind farms come into the fore? That’s why I say déjà vu, it is as if we are back where we started on the energy debate.
It was just the other day at the “COP26” in Scotland where the UK restated its aim of net zero. Thus, in reality there is nothing new in the strategy being put forward for the short term. Is this a missed opportunity given that everything is focused on the long term? All it takes is a change in government, for policy decisions to be consigned to the bin, especially when some of these policy decisions do not affect the term of that current government but instead successive governments.
Any nuclear power station will take at least 15 years to come online even once the planning and finances have been agreed. Part of the energy security debate has to take in account how to fix supply and not just look at how to generate supply. In the short term there are very easy wins when looking at energy saving installations which will save money on energy consummation. The UK’s housing stock is one of the most energy inefficient in Europe despite years of government grants to improve the situation. Surely there has to be a dual approach.
Even if the government is not going to focus on energy saving improvements, I suppose it is a good thing that at least the government is looking at a new offshore grid and hydrogen to replace natural gas. However, the government needs to be bolder as back in 1973 the oil crisis led to “Messmer plan” which made France focus on nuclear energy as a means of power generation. It is the lack of investment in the UK which will cause further bill shocks in the future. If the government invested in nuclear and alternative renewables despite energy bills being at their current height, in the long term the UK consumer would secure a better return. This sounds contrary but some of the earlier wind generation contracts which looked expensive at the time are now paying dividends as they are generating electricity at prices lower than the current energy price.
So maybe a bold approach with energy saving measures framed in a radical approval process for new projects could be the solution but as always only time will tell as the government has to follow through no matter what the short-term cost are going to be as there will be long term gain then we can avoid déjà vu.
The Queen, the word synonymous with Great Britain the world over. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II one of the longest reigning monarchs in the modern age renowned for all of the things she has brought to national culture and civic pride, whether it be her connection to the Armed Forces, the Commonwealth, charities and civic institutions which have carried her royal cypher, will prove to be challenging to emulate.
Whether you are a believer in the monarchy or not, you cannot deny Her Majesty’s sense of duty and immense contribution, not only to Great Britain but the world at large, hence why the nation felt a sense of pride during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations. In this moment of reflection, we all need to contemplate our own legacy and try to learn the lessons that Her Majesty has set for all to see.
These lessons are not difficult to learn and easy in their application, but revolve around duty, pride and a formidable work ethic. We should capture our emotions in this historical moment, and carry those forward it improve what we do and how we do it, whether this be in professional work environment or just in our daily lives.
Her Majesty is an exemplary example of how one person can change the complexion of, not just a room, a firm, a country or a nation through selfless commitment and a relentless dedication. The soft power and influence wielded by Her Majesty can never be measured, and now, even in death, you can see how influential Her Majesty continues to be.
Royal patronage has always been sought whether through royal warrants or patronage of charities, however in this modern world, where there is a craving for instant recognition, one wonders how anyone could create such longevity. Put simply, do not look for instant gratitude, continue to strive for greatness. In the context of business, recognition should follow from loyalty, a strong work ethic and a selfless pursuit to follow standards for the greater good of any organisation that you are part of. As we enter in the United Kingdom, with a new King and Prime Minster, then we need to hold on to those lessons and apply them in our work life in order to continue to help all of those around us, whether work colleagues, customers, suppliers or the general public in order to ensure, whatever sphere our business operates in, whether we are a small or big cog, that we play a part to move that business, that work place, that company, that partnership forward so that we continue to keep the Great in Great Britain in memory of our late Majesty.
