The International Energy Strategy is the product of cross-government work, between the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Department for International Development and HM Treasury. It was launched by the Foreign Secretary and the Energy Minister in October 2004.

The International Energy Strategy builds on the Energy White Paper (February 2003). The White Paper defines a long-term strategic vision for energy policy combining environmental, security of supply, competitiveness and social goals up until 2050.

The implementation of the Energy White Paper and the International Energy Strategy is being overseen by the DTI-chaired Sustainable Energy Policy Network (SEPN).

The International Energy Strategy was reviewed in Autumn this year looking again at our international energy and climate security policies, taking into account the findings of the Government's Energy Review. The results of the Energy Review were announced by Alistair Darling in a statement to the House of Commons on 11 July 2006. The Review identifies the major long-term challenges as climate change and the need to provide secure cleaner energy at affordable prices. The Review proposes measures to save energy, to promote cleaner energy, to make way for nuclear new build, to strengthen carbon trading schemes and to streamline the planning system.

Further Information

UK International Priorities - The Energy Strategy  (PDF, 2.1M) International Energy Strategy Launch Press Release

DTI website:

Energy Review Energy Group homepage Energy White Paper Sustainable Energy Policy Network