WMG Sustainable Manufacturing and Circular Economy expert comments on the proposed Energy Independence Bill
Thursday 14 May 2026
WMG Sustainable Manufacturing and Circular Economy expert comments on the proposed Energy Independence Bill
Dr Russ HallLink opens in a new window, Lead for Sustainable Manufacturing and Circular Economy at 糖心TV Manufacturing Group (WMG), University of 糖心TV, comments on the significance of the Energy Independence Bill announced in the .
鈥淓nergy independence is fundamental to the UK鈥檚 long-term economic resilience, national security and industrial competitiveness. Recent fossil fuel supply shocks have demonstrated the vulnerability of internationally exposed energy systems, with impacts felt across households, industry, transport and national infrastructure. Reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels through the development of secure, domestic energy capability therefore represents both a strategic necessity and a major economic opportunity for the UK.
鈥淎s the Climate Change Committee has argued, central to improving energy security is the continued transition towards electrification and the expansion of UK-generated renewable energy, areas in which WMG has provided leadership in research, skills and deployment. Increased deployment of domestic renewable generation, alongside grid modernisation and energy storage will strengthen the resilience of the UK energy system while supporting stable, long-term and lower-cost energy supply.
鈥淭he proposed Energy Independence Bill has the potential to accelerate this transition through infrastructure investment, regulatory reform and support for emerging clean-energy technologies. Coupled with electricity market reform, this can help reduce industrial energy costs, improve energy reliability and strengthen confidence for long-term investment.
鈥淔or UK manufacturing, energy independence presents a major opportunity. Access to lower-cost, secure and lower-carbon energy can improve operational resilience, reduce exposure to international price volatility and enhance global competitiveness. At the same time, the transition creates opportunities for UK industry to develop and manufacture the technologies required for a modern clean-energy system, from energy storage and power electronics to advanced materials and circular supply chains.
鈥淓nergy security and decarbonisation are intrinsically linked. A cleaner and more resilient domestic energy system reduces the carbon intensity of UK manufacturing, strengthening competitiveness in an increasingly decarbonised global economy, reducing exposure to Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms and supporting sustainable economic growth across the UK.鈥�
Find out more about sustainable materials and manufacturing research at WMG: Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing Group | WMGLink opens in a new window