A renewed ‘dash for gas’ is a risky option for the UK

New discoveries and extraction techniques have created a buzz about a ‘dash for gas’ in the UK. Samuela Bassi argues in favour of the UK using gas as a way to move off dirtier energy sources such as coal, but that it is used judiciously in those areas where it offers the greatest contribution to decarbonising the power sector. Investment in complementary technologies, such as CCS and flexibility measures to accommodate intermittent renewables, will be essential to ensure that future UK electricity generation is consistent with emissions targets.