Energy sector ready to deliver on clean power mission
The UK’s energy industry has laid out a comprehensive set of proposals to help the country become a “clean energy superpower” under the new Labour government.
The plan, titled ‘Mission Possible’, has been released by Energy UK, outlining five key priority areas the government should focus on to accelerate the transition to clean energy and meet ambitious climate targets.
The five areas identified are:
Achieving clean power by 2030 – refining and reforming the Contracts for Difference scheme as the main mechanism for delivering large renewable projects; making long-awaited decisions on nuclear, hydrogen, storage and carbon capture to provide the flexible and secure power to underpin a clean energy system; building infrastructure as well as power plants and tackling the delays caused by planning system and connections queue.
Affordable energy bills and a sustainable retail market – A clean energy system powered by domestic sources will mean cheaper bills for homes and businesses but the Government needs to help customers in the meantime, providing better targeted support for those most in need and seeing how energy costs can be reduced for all households.
Warmer homes and cleaner transport – cleaner heating systems, more energy efficient buildings and electrifying transport will all bring substantial social, economic and health benefits but progress in all these areas has been stymied by stop-start schemes and constant policy changes. Reforming and strengthening the raft of existing initiatives and support schemes will be central to increasing consumer demand and take-up of new technologies, developing supply chains and the roll-out of supporting infrastructure.
A mission-led government set up to succeed – existing organisations, structures and governance must work effectively to oversee plans and delivery and there will be important roles for GB Energy and for the newly established National Energy System Operator. A new body to advise on the delivery of new heating systems and energy efficiency should also be considered.
Closer UK-EU cooperation on energy and climate – a lack of alignment with the respective Emissions Trading Schemes and the incoming Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism threaten to undermine investment in clean energy and cost British businesses. Linking the two schemes, closer energy market trading arrangements and co-operation over the North Sea will lead to benefits for both sides.
Energy UK’s chief executive Emma Pinchbeck said:
“As we’ve set out, there are many actions the government can take in the first months of the new Parliament, and the sooner we get cracking, the sooner we reap the rewards. The Chancellor’s speech included some welcome first steps on planning reform. At a time of fierce global competition for green investment, clear commitment and decisive action from Government will help our industry to deliver on the aim of becoming a clean energy superpower.
“The investment and the expertise, the technology and the track record of delivery are all there. If the government provides decisive and courageous leadership, shows the determination to tackle barriers and does the hard graft to streamline and coordinate regulation, policy, and strategy from the state – the private sector is champing at the bit to get on with the job.”
Download the report Mission Possible: The steps to make Britain a clean energy superpower
