HARLOW Councillor and Governance portfolio holder Alastair Gunn has welcomed the energy partnership deal between the US and the UK, claiming it will be good for Harlow.

This follows the announcement that the leaders of the two countries, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and President Joe Biden, have signed up to the UK-US Energy Security and Affordability Partnership.

The partnership will address the problems of energy security and affordability. The amount of gas exported to the UK from the USA is expected to more than double, helping reduce volatility in the price of energy and reduce reliance on energy from Russia.

Meanwhile, a Joint Action Group will work to accelerate energy transition and the two nation’s commitments on achieving Net Zero. 

Cllr Gunn, who is leading Harlow Council’s work on climate change and its response to the energy crisis, welcomed the deal and said it will benefit Harlow.

He said, “Harlow Council and our residents are facing higher energy costs, in large part because of Putin’s appalling war on Ukraine but also because of post-pandemic disruption to global supply chains. 

“These are worldwide problems that affect us here in Harlow. It is encouraging to see our government working with other countries to find solutions.

“Doubling gas supply from an international ally will help control energy prices, which are driving the cost of living crisis Harlow households are facing. 

“Equally important is the commitment to Net Zero and investing in clean, sustainable energy. The cost of living crisis and climate change are both urgent, and must both be met by changing the types of energy we use to power our homes and our town.

“Harlow Council is deeply committed to playing our part in the UK getting to Net Zero by 2050. I warmly welcome the new energy partnership with the USA to help achieve that goal.”