An end to energy uncertainty?

One of the regular complaints of businesses and potential investors over recent years has been a lack of consistency and clear direction from policy makers, as ministers appeared to signal a firm resolution for doing one thing while either failing to follow through with legislation or setting off on a completely different course. The Conservative government‘s commitment to meeting its net-zero targets, for example, was often called into question with the need to pander to sections of the party that refused to acknowledge climate change concerns and the need to reduce the country’s reliance on fossil fuels.

Now that we have an administration with an impressive majority in the Commons, it is hoped that previous uncertainties which have been holding back the UK’s clean energy ambitions can be put aside. With greater clarity of purpose, which includes a £6.6bn pledge to invest in the Warm Homes Plan and a much-needed revision of our perplexing and antiquated planning system, developers have an opportunity to press ahead with new and more sustainable housing projects.

With promises having been made not to raise taxation for ‘working people’, the Labour government is banking on a more prosperous economy to be able to fulfil many of its manifesto commitments. However, while recognising that making swifter progress to reaching decarbonisation goals will require substantial support from the Treasury, such investment in itself should light the spark for growth.  Mandatory targets for house building, more planning officers, and an end to the ban on onshore wind turbines can only encourage investors and help to establish a more stable environment that breeds business confidence.

The party has set out its mission to make the UK a ‘clean energy superpower‘. Some might have reservations about the echo of  ‘world beating‘ pledges from previous politicians, but there is no doubt that the party is serious about its ’Green Prosperity Plan‘ that promises to propel Britain into leading the world in cheaper, cleaner power and industry.

So how does the government intend to prove that such claims are not just more bluff and bluster? Labour has said that a key part of its strategy to embrace low carbon solutions would be a Local Power Plan which would see local communities being given more of a say over how energy is generated in their areas. This could include the creation of new clean power assets, such as solar panels on the roofs of council buildings, or the construction of community wind farms. It is proposed that the profits generated by local renewable energy creation would be fed back into communities through discounted council tax bills or help with energy costs for those on low incomes.

With no reason to suppose that the new government would do anything other than serve its full term, ministers might be forgiven for thinking that there is plenty of time yet to consider proposals and worry about details. Yet, if the first days of office are anything to go by, it looks like they are not going to be dragging their feet when it comes to turning ideas into action.

•   Chris Jones is managing editor of Energy in Buildings & Industry