Net zero blamed as British factories pay nearly twice as much as France for electricity

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Telegraph or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: UK factories are paying 81% more for electricity than counterparts in France, according to analysis by the Adam Smith Institute
• Critics blame Britain’s net-zero policies and reliance on renewables for the widening cost gap

🔭 The context: The report argues the UK’s mix of subsidised wind power and gas backup has driven prices higher, while France benefits from a large, long-standing nuclear fleet
• UK nuclear output has reportedly fallen 60% since 1998
• Energy-intensive sectors such as chemicals and ceramics say soaring costs are accelerating plant closures and deindustrialisation

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The debate highlights tensions between decarbonisation and industrial competitiveness
• While renewables are central to long-term emissions cuts, grid design, subsidy structures and declining nuclear capacity can affect short-term costs
• How countries balance clean energy expansion with affordability will shape the pace of industrial decarbonisation — and whether emissions-intensive production shifts abroad instead of falling overall.

⏭️ What’s next: Pressure is mounting on UK policymakers to reform electricity pricing, accelerate nuclear projects and protect heavy industry while maintaining climate targets

💬 One quote: “No country can be prosperous with the highest electricity prices in the world.” - Claire Coutinho, UK Shadow Energy Secretary

📈 One stat: A large UK data centre could pay £167 million annually for electricity versus £92 million in France

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