Reform UK has unveiled controversial new energy policy proposals that include plans to implement additional taxation on renewable energy projects across Britain. The announcement marks a significant departure from current cross-party consensus on green energy incentives.
Party leader Richard Tice outlined the proposal during a press conference in Birmingham, arguing that renewable energy companies should “pay their fair share” for using Britain’s natural resources. The proposed tax would apply to both wind and solar installations, with offshore wind farms facing the highest rates.
“These companies are profiting from British wind and British sunshine while ordinary people struggle with their energy bills,” Tice stated. “Our policy would ensure the British public receives direct benefit from these natural resources.”
Key points of the proposal include:
• A new 20% tax on gross revenue from offshore wind farms
• 15% levy on onshore wind and large-scale solar installations
• Revenue to be directed towards reducing household energy bills
• Removal of current green energy subsidies
The renewable energy industry has responded with concern. RenewableUK’s chief executive warned that such policies could “severely impact future investment in British green energy infrastructure and jeopardize thousands of jobs.”
Energy policy experts have questioned the economic viability of the proposal. Dr. James Morton from the Energy Economics Institute noted: “Adding taxation costs to renewable projects could potentially increase, rather than decrease, consumer energy bills in the long term.”
Labour’s shadow energy secretary called the proposal “backwards-looking” while Conservative ministers defended their current approach to renewable energy development, emphasizing the importance of private sector investment in meeting climate goals.
The announcement comes as Britain continues to grapple with ongoing debates about energy security and the balance between environmental objectives and consumer costs.
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