Why Not Aim for Energy Abundance?

In the UK, there’s a renewed focus on economic growth. Labour has made it a priority, and it’s easy to see why—our economy feels stagnant, weighed down by high energy costs and the ongoing instability of oil and gas markets. But what if there’s a straightforward solution we’ve been overlooking? A solution that doesn’t just address our energy needs but transforms them into an advantage.

Historically, surges in economic growth have been closely tied to energy abundance. Take the United States during the pandemic: growth there outpaced much of the world, largely due to a relaxation of laws around oil, gas, and fracking. The energy flowed, and so did the economy.

In the 1960s, Japan laid the groundwork for its future economic success by investing heavily in nuclear energy. Its first commercial nuclear plant came online in 1966, and in the decades that followed, this abundant energy supply powered industrial expansion and technological innovation.

More recently, China has taken the lead in prioritizing renewable energy. Massive investment in green technologies has enabled the country to not only meet its energy needs but also reduce its reliance on non-renewable sources. In fact, China’s use of fossil fuels has already peaked and is now in decline—a direct result of its focus on renewable energy abundance.

Energy isn’t just one factor in growth—it’s the critical factor. Every leap in human progress, from the Industrial Revolution to the digital age, has been powered by accessible, affordable energy.

Three Times the Energy We Need—All from Renewables

So, what does this mean for the UK? It means we need to think big. Bigger than just meeting our current energy needs. We need to aim for energy abundance. And here’s the thing: we already have it.

Renewable energy projects currently in the UK planning system have the potential to generate three times the energy the UK needs. That’s right—without a single additional fossil fuel, nuclear, or other energy source, we could have a surplus of clean, renewable energy.

This isn’t about distant potential or unproven technology. These projects are real, viable, and waiting for approval. Yet instead of focusing on unlocking this incredible opportunity, the system is bogged down by a constant influx of new applications.

The Grid Infrastructure Challenge

Of course, it’s not as simple as approving every renewable project in the pipeline. Our grid infrastructure—the backbone of our energy system—is outdated and struggling to keep up with existing demand, let alone the surge that would come with a renewable energy revolution.

One of the biggest challenges lies in how the grid manages new applications. Every time a new renewable energy project is submitted, it triggers a fresh assessment to determine whether it can work with the grid, alongside the projects already approved or in planning.

Imagine how complex this is. Each assessment is like trying to solve a giant Jenga puzzle—the size of the Empire State Building. Each new project shifts the balance, forcing engineers and planners to reassess the entire system to ensure stability. The more applications that come in, the more precarious the tower becomes, slowing down progress on projects that could already transform our energy supply.

This isn’t just a bureaucratic issue—it’s a systemic one. If we want energy abundance, we need to stop adding more blocks to the tower and focus on delivering the projects already in the system. Simultaneously, we must invest in grid infrastructure—modernizing transmission lines, expanding energy storage capacity, and building a smarter grid capable of managing the variable inputs of solar and wind.

The Case for Energy Abundance

This isn’t just about environmentalism. It’s about security, independence, and growth. No more reliance on unstable oil and gas markets or foreign conflicts dictating energy prices. Imagine an economy where energy abundance powers AI innovation, industrial growth, and a thriving green tech sector.

The current government won’t have many big bets it can place - certainly very few that will guarantee growth. ‘Energy abundance’ should be one of them, but they need to quickly get on top of this and prioritise greenlighting existing projects awaiting construction.

Then we can reframe the conversation. Green energy isn’t just about “enough.” It’s about more than enough.