
Why are UK energy costs so high? And how to bring them down
From Independent Thinking by Chatham House
April 1, 2026 · 38 min · Season 4 · Episode 29
About this episode
Bronwen Maddox discusses UK energy costs and policies with Sir Dieter Helm.
An earlier than usual episode of the Independent Thinking podcast, ahead of the Easter break. In a one-on-one conversation, Chatham House Director Bronwen Maddox discusses energy with Sir Dieter Helm , Professor of Economic Policy at the University of Oxford, who has been advising governments and writing on energy, water and the environment for decades. They examine how energy policies of different governments over decades led to the UK's energy costs being so high. And what the government should do if it wants to guarantee security of supply – and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Are those concerned about climate change right to push for net zero? Are current policies driving industry from the UK? Should there be more nuclear power stations, or more drilling in the North Sea? Read our latest: The Iran war risks triggering a new wave of nuclear proliferation Any Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon will work to Hezbollah's advantage Moscow internet blackouts: the Kremlin tightens its grip on Russia's digital space Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by Stephen Farrell . Read the Spring issue of The World Today Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast 🎧 Listen to Africa…
People in this episode
Host: Bronwen Maddox
Guest: Sir Dieter Helm
Topics covered
- UK energy costs
- energy policy
- greenhouse gas emissions
- climate change
- nuclear power
- North Sea drilling
Keywords
- energy costs
- UK energy policy
- greenhouse gas emissions
- climate change
- nuclear power
- North Sea drilling
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Chatham House, University of Oxford
More episodes of Independent Thinking
- Is the shock of the US-Iran war helping Europe come together? · April 24, 2026 · 35 min
- Iran, Pope, Economy: How many battles can Trump fight at once? · April 17, 2026 · 33 min
- What lessons will China, India and other Asian nations draw from the Iran war? · April 10, 2026 · 34 min
- Iran war: regional shock or global crisis? · March 27, 2026 · 30 min
- Is Iran one crisis too many for Trump? · March 20, 2026 · 36 min
- AI wars: Anthropic battles the Pentagon as China plans ahead · March 13, 2026 · 33 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Independent Thinking podcast page.