Government sets out new energy and net zero strategy
- Friday, March 31, 2023
- Posted By The Growth Company
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) announced plans on Thursday for the UK to enhance its energy security and cut carbon emissions.
The ‘Powering Up Britain’ strategy aims to deliver the cheapest electricity in Europe by 2035 through investment in renewable, nuclear, and carbon capture technologies. It also sets out in detail Britain’s route to net zero, after the High Court ruled last summer that the original proposal was not comprehensive enough.
Explaining the strategy, chancellor Jeremy Hunt said: “Transforming our energy system is no longer just about tackling climate change, it is also a matter of national security. To protect ourselves from future price spikes, we need to accelerate the move to cleaner, cheaper, home-grown energy.”
Over 1,000 pages in length, the report outlines dozens of revised and new measures, including:
Many of the measures in the document had already been announced.
One of the key new parts of the strategy is the UK's first carbon capture site in Teesside. It is hoped this could reduce industrial emissions by up to 50 percent. The site will also create temporary and permanent jobs in the North East.
You’re not likely to be getting an onshore windfarm in your backyard any time soon, as the government did not lift the de facto ban, despite pressure from campaigners. But with more support for offshore farms promised, renewables are likely to contribute more to the country’s energy mix in the future.
Those without a driveway or off-street parking should find it easier to own an electric vehicle (EV), with £30 million being allocated for local authorities to improve residential EV charging. There is also an opportunity for renewable and clean energy technology suppliers and tradespeople to capitalise on new government subsidies and initiatives.
The subsidies and incentives unveiled yesterday will help many small and medium-sized enterprises across the country meet their climate responsibilities and become more energy efficient. However, many firms will be eager to understand how they will be implemented and what the government plans to do to ensure UK businesses do not fall behind their European and American counterparts when it comes to much needed financial and technical support for the transition to net zero.
To find out how you can access support to reduce your energy bills and carbon footprint, visit the Bee Net Zero website: Bee Net Zero | The journey to becoming Net Zero
If you want to learn more about sustainability and how your business can benefit from going green, you can join Green Economy’s free webinar on solar power, which takes place at 12:00 on 18 April. Presided over by industry experts, the session aims to help you understand what is involved in buying, installing, and profiting from solar technologies. It will cover the procurement process, costs and potential savings, and advice on how to find local specialists to support your business. Book your place now: Demystifying solar – what you need to know | Apr 18 (zohobackstage.eu)
Qualified electricians, plumbers, and roofers with ambitions to grow their client list, meanwhile, are invited to attend Enterprising You and Green Economy’s event, ‘Is your business ready for the Green Revolution – The future is now’. Hosted by the Green Skills Academy at 18:00 on 25 April, the event will highlight how you can access support to reskill and start installing heat pumps, solar panels, EV charge points, and numerous other green technologies. Register now: Events for the Self-Employed in Greater Manchester | EnterprisingYou (enterprising-you.co.uk)
“Parts of this article were originally published by the Green Economy Team in their roundup of the strategy - Green Intelligence | UK Government’s ‘Green Day’ – key policies”