Low-carbon energy on the agenda

The need for reliable, low-carbon energy will be thrown into the spotlight in November as the eyes of the world turn to Glasgow, host city for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26).

Once operational, Hinkley Point C will provide 7% of the UK’s low-carbon electricity needs. That’s a massive contribution towards achieving the world’s most ambitious climate change target – a 78% reduction in emissions by 2035 compared to 1990 levels.

The COP26 talks will be the biggest international summit the UK has ever hosted; bringing together more than 30,000 delegates including heads of state, climate experts and campaigners to agree co-ordinated action to tackle climate change and achieve a net zero future.

Many believe it will be the world’s best and last chance to get climate change under control.

What is net zero?

Net zero refers to the balance between the carbon emitted into the atmosphere and the carbon removed from it. We reach net zero when the amount of carbon we remove from the atmosphere is the same as or less than the amount put into it.

As a country we aim to achieve this by 2050.

Where does Hinkley Point C fit in?

That’s why Hinkley Point C producing 3.2 gigawatts of low-carbon energy (enough to power six million homes) has such an important role to play in hitting the UK’s target. Plus it forms a vital part of a wider transition to a cleaner, low-emission, electric future.

Not only will we be providing 7% of the UK’s low-carbon electricity needs, we’ll also be employing and training the next generation of skilled workers required to build the critical low-energy infrastructure of the future.

Success at Hinkley Point C will provide the springboard for our sister station at Sizewell C in Suffolk, delivering more low-carbon electricity to help support the UK’s net zero ambitions.