UK not prepared for growth in EV use, think tank warns

A new report by independent think tank the Green Alliance claims that the UK government will have problems if energy systems are not improved to take account of developments in solar panels, onshore wind, electric vehicles (EVs) and battery storage. It says people are increasingly choosing to be energy owners and are able to take back at least some control over energy production. The report states, “Politicians are arguing over whether or not to subsidise renewables without seeing how technology has changed
April 25, 2017 Read time: 2 mins
A new report by independent think tank the Green Alliance claims that the UK government will have problems if energy systems are not improved to take account of developments in solar panels, onshore wind, electric vehicles (EVs) and battery storage. It says people are increasingly choosing to be energy owners and are able to take back at least some control over energy production.


The report states, “Politicians are arguing over whether or not to subsidise renewables without seeing how technology has changed the big picture. They believe that they hold the purse strings. But, within the next five years, the government will lose the ability to constrain small scale energy technologies by limiting subsidy because none will be needed. We are entering a new era where the consumer really can take control.”

Green Alliance warns that one per cent of the UK could see drops in voltage if battery powered cars are clustered together, while as few as six electric vehicles located near one another could have the same effect.

It is calling on the government to give consumers real choice over energy generation and consumption it must actively direct the transition to a smarter system.

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