Academic discusses UK energy security and energy transition at Westminster event
University of Huddersfield academic Dr Victor Azubike has discussed what the UK can do to ensure long-term energy security and energy transition with politicians and policymakers at a special event in Westminster.
Dr Azubike, a Senior Lecturer within the Law School at Huddersfield and a leading authority on international energy issues, was part of Evidence Week, which is run by the campaigning charity Sense about Science. It brings the public, parliamentarians and researchers together to discuss how evidence from frontline research can inform policymaking in Parliament.
He was involved in the Taylor & Francis research briefing, which asked: Can energy transition co-exist with energy security?
Dr Azubike, who is also a Consultant at CIRUU Energy London and author of a key article on the topic, discussed the urgent need for strategic planning to resolve the policy challenge of balancing immediate energy security concerns and the imperative of systematic decarbonisation.
“Energy is the bedrock of modern society; it cuts across all sectors and contributes to the development of economies around the world. It is therefore vital that policy in this area is based on research evidence,” said Dr Azubike. “It was very encouraging to speak with a range of parliamentarians who are keen to engage with energy policy questions.”
“It is important for policymakers to realise that energy security and the transition to cleaner energy sources are mutually reinforcing, rather than competing priorities,” added Dr Azubike. “My analysis has found that comprehensive pragmatic policy strategies are required to effectively pursue both goals simultaneously.”
His research focuses on the nexus between energy transition and energy security, examining pragmatic policy options for the UK government to facilitate energy transition while maintaining national energy security.
Discussions at the Westminster event focused on policy consistency and clear timelines. With over 70% of total clean energy funding predicted to come from the private sector, investors need consistent signals from the government to commit to the substantial investments required.
Visitors to the briefing included MP for Huddersfield, Harpreet Uppal, who spoke at length to Dr Azubike.
Evidence Week is now in its eighth year and sees MPs meet with leading researchers to get the latest insights on a variety of key issues.
Taylor & Francis supports diverse communities of experts, researchers and knowledge makers around the world to accelerate and maximise the impact of their work.