The government set out a commitment to phase out the use of Russian oil and coal by the end of 2022, with Russian LNG gas imports to end as soon as possible thereafter, in its British Energy Security Strategy published in April 20221. The strategy states that this phase-out "will be completed by the end of 2022"1.
The strategy frames the move as part of a wider effort to reduce dependence on imported oil and gas, citing Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the resulting pressure on international gas prices1. It notes that European gas prices soared by more than 200 per cent in the previous year and coal prices increased by more than 100 per cent1. The document states that the UK uses gas both to generate electricity and to heat the majority of its 28 million homes1.
Alongside the phase-out commitment, the strategy sets out measures affecting households directly. It confirms a £200 reduction in energy bills from October for all households in Great Britain through the Energy Bills Support Scheme, and an increase in the Warm Home Discount to £150 in October, extended to assist three million people1. It also commits to zero-rating VAT for the next five years on the installation of energy saving materials, including insulation and low carbon heating1.
On domestic supply, the strategy states that the North Sea Transition Authority plans to launch another licensing round in the autumn, with the next round a year earlier in March 20231. It sets a 2035 date by which the government intends to phase out the sale of new and replacement gas boilers, and plans to blend up to 20 per cent hydrogen into the natural gas grid, with a final decision by the end of the following year1.
"Phase out Russian oil and coal by end 2022 and Russian LNG gas imports as soon as possible thereafter"
| Commitment | Date given |
|---|---|
| Phase out Russian oil and coal | End of 2022 |
| Russian LNG imports | As soon as possible thereafter |
| Phase out sale of new and replacement gas boilers | 2035 (intended) |
| Decision on blending up to 20 per cent hydrogen into gas grid | By end of 2023 |
Why it matters for households
The phase-out commitment concerns imported fuels rather than the gas and oil used directly in homes, but it sits within a strategy that links energy security to reduced exposure to international prices1. The document states that the price paid for gas is set internationally, and that reducing dependence on imported oil and gas is the long-term route to addressing that vulnerability1. For a household, the practical link is between where a home's heating and electricity come from and how exposed its bills are to global markets.
The strategy also ties energy security to domestic measures that affect homes directly, including the Energy Bills Support Scheme and the extension of the Warm Home Discount1. Rules on the efficiency of appliances and heating equipment sit under energy labels and ecodesign rules, while standards for rented and social housing are covered separately under housing quality standards.
What happens next
The strategy gives the end of 2022 as the completion date for phasing out Russian oil and coal, and states that Russian LNG imports will end as soon as possible afterwards1. It also sets out a blueprint for the whole system by the end of 2022 through the Holistic Network Design and Centralised Strategic Network Plan1. No further detail on the timing of the LNG phase-out beyond "as soon as possible thereafter" has been reported1.
Sources1 cited
- British Energy Security Strategy, data.parliament.uk