Former UK Energy Minister Chris Skidmore, who was tasked with conducting a review on net zero, today published his report, which was welcomed by the renewable energy industry.
The review, launched in September 2022, was commissioned by the government to ensure the delivery of the UK's legally binding net zero 2050 target is pro-growth and pro-business.
“The Net Zero Review, above all else, makes it clear that the energy transition is as much an economic opportunity as an environmental imperative and that action must be accelerated,” said Nina Skorupska, chief executive of the Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA). According to her, it should “finally settle any political and economic debate as to why Net Zero is essential.”
"Chris Skidmore’s Review emphasises the importance of creating a tax and regulatory environment which encourages investment into the UK at a time when we are struggling to compete for investment against countries with attractive incentives for renewable energy like the USA,” commented RenewableUK chief executive Dan McGrail.
He added that the long time for projects to get a grid connection is rightly acknowledged as one of the main barriers to the growth of the renewable energy sector.
The review makes 129 recommendations after more than 50 roundtables and 1,800 submissions. These include backing businesses to go green, such as by reviewing incentives for investment in decarbonisation, and delivering energy-efficient homes. The proposals further include supporting local action by reforming the planning system to put net zero at its heart and backing trailblazer places that can reach net zero by 2030. It also recommends using infrastructure to unlock net zero, including by developing a cross-sectoral infrastructure strategy by 2025 to support new green energy sources such as hydrogen.
Business and Energy Secretary Grant Shapps said the report “offers a range of ideas and innovations for us to consider as we work to grasp the opportunities from green growth.”
The review is available on the website of the UK government.
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Solar power plant. Image source: Lightsource bp.
