Overview

• Europe plans to build new gas power stations to supply 60 million homes, increasing gas power capacity by 27% despite net zero promises.
• Britain leads in new gas-fired power station plans, citing the need to avoid blackouts on the path to net zero by 2050.
• Critics, including Beyond Fossil Fuels, warn that this expansion undermines commitments to decarbonize power sectors by 2035.
• Protests and blockades in response to additional North Sea oil and gas exploration permits highlight growing public and activist opposition.
• Governments defend the move, arguing gas is needed to back up renewable energy and maintain a secure energy system.