Thinktank suggests UK government take control of gas plants for improved energy security, impacting the energy sector.

A thinktank has recommended that Britain’s gas power stations be nationalized to prevent owners from manipulating the electricity market. According to a report by Common Wealth, the dwindling fossil fuel power plants are in need of nationalization as the government aims to reduce gas consumption to just 5% of the electricity system by 2030. Nationalizing the plants could also prevent owners from charging excessively high fees during times of low renewable energy generation. It is argued that privately owned gas-fired power plants exploit their unique market position in the balancing mechanism and demand high sums of money to supply energy at short notice. The Guardian reported in January that almost £18m was paid to two power plants to run for a few hours during a cold snap. Greenpeace UK’s Paul Morozzo supports the idea of public ownership, stating that it would help avoid excessive charges. Common Wealth suggests creating a strategic reserve of gas power stations to be used only as a last resort during periods of high electricity demand. The plants could then be phased out as the UK shifts its electricity system towards clean power by the end of the decade.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/apr/29/nationalise-gas-power-plants-to-boost-energy-security-thinktank-urges-uk-ministers