Not locked-in? The overlooked impact of new gas-fired generation investment on long-term decarbonisation in the UK

► The potential conflict between new CCGT and decarbonisation targets is examined. ► A form of 'hysteretic lock-in' associated with CCGT investment is identified. ► Potential effects of 'lock-in' from new CCGT investment in the UK are highlighted. ► The paper argues for a clear long-term regulatory structure for new CCGT generation.