The key messages gathered from the stakeholders during this consultation were: *The importance of energy security, but acknowledgement that no acute risks were posed at present. There was a feeling that security of supply was taken for granted because of the general reliability of supply.
*Most respondents were in agreement that more action should be taken to address climate change, especially through market mechanisms such as carbon trading.
*There was strong support for making the maximum possible use of renewable generation, and that the Government should continue its support of renewables through the Renewables Obligation, capital grants and R&D. There was also firm support for improvements in energy efficiency.
*There were strongly divided views on nuclear power. There was a need for more information about nuclear power, especially with regard to the disposal of radioactive waste.
*There were a number of calls for more Government support of near-market technologies, and for a clearer view of strategic long-term policy. There was also a strong demand for the Government to provide more information on energy policy.
Energy minister Brian Wilson said: "I have been struck and very pleased by the level of interest and the quality of debate that this consultation on the White Paper has inspired. Stakeholders have endorsed our key energy objectives of maintaining security of supply, while meeting our environmental targets and providing affordable energy to consumers. They have also fuelled our continuing discussions about how to develop these over the coming years as we begin to shape longer-term energy policy."
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