If climate change feels abstract, energy prices probably don’t. Every home, school and business in the UK knows what it means to face rising bills and an unstable grid. The good news? Cutting emissions is also how we cut our energy anxiety.

Because here’s the truth:

The fastest way to make energy cheaper, cleaner and more secure… is to go green.

Dependence= Vulnerability

When the war in Ukraine began, gas prices across Europe exploded. Suddenly, countries deeply dependent on imported fossil fuels faced blackouts, inflation and political pressure.

That’s not resilience. That’s risk.

The UK still imports about half its gas, and even more oil. And the prices? Controlled by global markets, not us.

Clean Energy= Control

Renewables like wind, solar and tidal power are domestic. They don’t depend on foreign regimes or volatile markets.

• You can’t run out of sunshine.
• No one can cut off your supply of wind.
• It’s not only cleaner but it’s cheaper.

Since 2010, the cost of solar has dropped by 82%. Onshore wind? Also plummeting. Today, solar and wind are the cheapest sources of energy globally.

Fossil Fuel Subsidies: Are We Still Doing This?

Why it’s confusing

The UK government often claims it doesn’t subsidise fossil fuels—technically, that’s true… depending on how you define a “subsidy.”

But when we zoom out and look at tax breaks, licensing incentives, and indirect public support, the story shifts.

So what does the UK actually spend?

• A 2023 Guardian analysis found that fossil fuels have received more public financial support than renewables since 2015.
• The government doesn’t directly hand over cash bags to oil companies. But they do provide:
  • Tax relief for new oil and gas fields
  • Investment allowances
  • Reduced VAT on domestic gas and electricity
  • Licensing perks (especially under the North Sea Transition Deal)
• According to E3G, these forms of support double the tax relief oil companies get undermining climate goals and costing the public in lost revenue.
• Meanwhile, ActionAid UK says the UK still provides billions in fossil finance overseas via Export Finance deals.

What About Renewables?

The UK does invest in clean power, mostly through Contracts for Difference (CfDs) which guarantee a minimum price for clean energy. These have been highly effective – solar and wind are now the cheapest sources of energy.

However:

• Subsidies for new renewables have fluctuated in recent years.
• According to this Bath Uni post, offshore wind was recently receiving half the subsidy support per unit of energy compared to nuclear or gas.

So yes, we’re backing renewables, but not always as heavily or consistently as we could.

Has It Changed Under Labour?

Labour has promised a “Clean Power by 2030” plan and to ban new oil and gas licenses, which could reduce fossil incentives. But:

• As of now, there’s no major repeal of fossil tax breaks.
• Critics argue Labour’s Great British Energy proposal could be bolder but it’s still early days.

Expect pressure from climate campaigners and industry resistance to shape how far things go.

Why Investment Is The Smarter Play?

Investing in renewables isn’t just good for the planet. It’s economically smart:

• Solar is now 82% cheaper than it was in 2010
• Wind and solar create more jobs per pound than fossil fuels
• Clean energy reduces reliance on imports, stabilising prices
• Boosts energy security, innovation, and long-term competitiveness

As the IMF and IEA say repeatedly, every £1 spent on clean energy now avoids up to £4 in future damages.

The Bottom Line?

The UK is still giving financial advantages to fossil fuel companies just not in the way we traditionally think of subsidies. And yes, it’s slowing down our economic and energy progress.

If we want lower bills, more secure supply, and a stronger economy, backing clean energy isn’t just a climate move; it’s a strategic one.

Resilience Through Diversity

The more we diversify through solar, wind, batteries, smart grids the more stable our energy system becomes.

• Fewer blackouts
• More price stability
• Protection from geopolitical shocks

And when we generate power here, the jobs stay here too. It’s energy independence that creates economic opportunity.

Policy Is Catching Up

The EU has launched a carbon border tax so goods imported from high-emission countries are taxed to match European climate rules and China is building the world’s largest carbon market.

Energy security is no longer a fringe issue – it’s the issue.

Soo… to conclude…

Net Zero= Less Risk, Lower Bills, More Power

Climate action isn’t about sacrifice. It’s about sovereignty.

Let’s stop seeing net zero as a cost—and start seeing it for what it is:

A strategic investment in our future.

Sources:

• Our World in Data – Cheap Renewables
• IEA – Renewables and Security
• Carbon Tracker – Energy Geopolitics
• White & Case – EU Carbon Border Tax

Written By Dr Sandra Lee