Where is the Vision from those in charge? Why do we keep choosing the hard-to-do expensive options?

I’m convinced that solving the energy conundrum could lead quickly to a wealth of benefits for the UK. But only if those in charge in central government would focus on what we can do and not what we can’t.

It's irrefutable that we have almost completely lost control of the energy market. We are left to take our chances on the goodwill of others to provide much of the fuel and technology we need at a cost set outside the UK.

Whilst nuclear fission power seemed an answer 30 years ago, we failed to deliver what was needed, and although nuclear fusion reactors are getting closer, they are also 20-30 years away. We now also need to replace the gas-powered stations because our own supplies will run out and that leaves us exposed to states who may have a different agenda than ours.

Even when we had part of the solution come forward i.e., onshore wind, we passed a law that all but killed any development in this area.

There are a series of solutions, that for the UK especially, can work.

First water in our rivers and streams i.e., micro hydro: Waterpower was at its peak just before the industrial revolution with estimates of well in excess of 10K water mills. The Canal & River trust states we have over 1800 locks. Water in our rivers and streams peaks during the autumn, winter and spring periods. Exactly when we need more power. So, we have approx. 12K small to medium generators on existing or historical sites distributed around the UK.

Tidal: More tidal energy goes past UK shores than we could ever use. Its predictable for 1000’s of years in advance. We currently only focus on a fraction of its potential.

Geothermal: We have to go down around 15kM to get to the heat we need, but once there we have again more than we could ever use. The turbine halls needed are not new tech either.

Solar & Wind: It's now well documented that the cheapest forms of power generation come from solar and wind. It’s also true, that there is more solar energy and wind energy on average than we ever need. The one real issue with it is consistency. So, for these two to work we really need energy storage as well.

These five technologies make up everything we could ever need for as long as we can imagine needing them. They are completely renewable and can’t be interfered with easily by anyone outside of the UK. Two are already the cheapest, and micro-hydro is coming down in price rapidly. So, the UK could be totally independent of all outside fuel sources if we choose. It would be at a price that is way lower than staying on older fuel types as these increase due to geopolitics. Yes, we need a transition period, but we can transition and save money whilst being more secure.

What happens when we take back control of energy infrastructure and fix its price to something we control?

Well, first renewable energy can help increase food production over the entire UK by providing farmers with a reliable and affordable source of energy. Farmers can use this energy to power their irrigation systems, greenhouses, and other equipment, which can help increase crop yields. It can also reduce the costs of transportation of food by providing a cheaper and cleaner alternative to fossil fuels.

Green hydrogen is a promising technology that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector and replace oil boilers. Green hydrogen is produced by using renewable energy to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen can then be used as a fuel for vehicles or to heat homes and buildings.. This helps reduce air pollution and improve public health

Also, the use of this energy will inexorably lead to significant health benefits for the UK. Air pollution is a major public health issue, and it is estimated to cause up to 36,000 premature deaths each year. The use of renewable energy can help reduce air pollution by replacing fossil fuels, which are a major source of air pollution.

Almost as a bi-product, renewable energy can also help reduce the risk of climate change, which can have additional significant health impacts, such as increased heat-related illnesses, respiratory problems, and infectious diseases.

In summary, the use of cheap green renewable energy could help solve the core issues related to the cost of living, food production, transport, and health in the UK.

What can we do in Berkshire? A lot if given half a chance. It just takes those in charge to have some vision. West Berkshire Council is using solar and looking at Micro Hydro. Every person who can afford it can reduce their long-term energy costs by becoming an energy generator. We can do our bit we just need some sensible thinking from those with real control and real budgets.

Let’s write to our MP and demand better.