One of the biggest challenges facing our Government – and those of the rest of the world – over the coming years is going to be the one surrounding how to keep the lights on. There is a major energy crisis looming.
Much of this country's energy capacity is being decommissioned – because power stations have reached the end of their lifespans – and we need to decide where our future energy strategy lies.
This week, Japanese giant Hitachi announced plans for a £20 billion investment in nuclear energy in Britain. The firm will build six new reactors at two sites in the UK.
Although applauded by the Government, there is a huge irony in that the nuclear industry in Japan is slowly being shutdown following the Fukushima disaster.
It seems the Japanese believe the risk of nuclear power is just too great – and who would blame them.
Nuclear energy is no problem for Britain though, probably because we have escaped such a disaster!
The increasing costs and environmental affects of fossil fuels have, quite rightly, led a move towards renewable energy.
Wind turbines and solar farms have to play a major role in our energy requirements in the coming decade.
That is why it is good to see planning approval set to be granted for a £35 million solar farm on a 150-acre site at the old Wymeswold Airfield.
This impressive project will provide enough electricity each year to power more than 6,000 homes.
This was scheduled to be the first of a series of solar farms across the county, but others have now been scrapped after cuts in the Government subsidy.
Those cuts were a pity because most of us would prefer to see renewable energy, rather than an increased use of nuclear power.
It is a dilemma for the Government because the increasing cost of energy, as the average bill now hits £1,200 per year, is likely to be a major political issue.
There may not be an easy answer to the energy question, but finding that answer is going to be a growing priority for all governments.
