Mike Foster, Chief Executive of EUA said “Ms Rudd’s announcement that this Government will commit to replacing coal fired power stations with new gas fired ones, will have a major impact on the UK’s carbon emissions as it is greener than coal. We are pleased that she is now recognising gas as a future fuel and echoing our manifesto.

We can also look to decarbonise gas by committing to long term Carbon Capture and Storage, helping gas to become zero carbon and with industry already working on ‘green gas’ solutions, including BioSNG, gas offers a very real opportunity to help our green agenda. I believe today’s comments by the Energy Secretary will send out positive messages to the industry following previous Government interest in moving to all electric scenarios.

Successive governments have highlighted our energy dilemma - the need to keep the lights on, cut carbon emissions whilst ensuring energy remains affordable for consumers – recognising that gas is a fuel of the future may be the way to help solve this dilemma.”