The creation of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has been welcomed by industry players.
The Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA) said its members, and the renewable energy and clean technology sector as a whole, “stand ready” to work alongside government to help with the efficient delivery of its goals to “secure our long-term energy supply, bring down bills and half inflation”.
Recognition of both the climate and energy crises is welcome, the REA stated but it urged the Government to adopt the recommendations of MP Chris Skidmore’s Net Zero Report “Mission Zero,” to hit the ground running.
The REA also recommended that new Secretary of State Grant Shapps MP sets up the office for Net Zero Delivery with an urgent focus on a swift delivery.
REA chief executive Nina Skorupska (pictured) said: “An energy department with a focus on Net Zero is welcome, as long as the Government now hits the ground running and avoids the usual delays while new departments are established.
“Decision making in the sector has already been woefully delayed over the last few years, and a joined-up approach across these new departments is essential, as well as implementing the recommendations from Chris Skidmore’s Net Zero Report ‘Mission Zero’, which clearly stated that “Net Zero is the largest growth opportunity of the 21st century.”
Claire Mack, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, said: “Linking energy security and net-zero in the title of a new UK Government department sends a clear message about the direction of travel of our industry: renewable energy is not only the centre of our fight against climate change but also of our economy, with billions of pounds of investment being made in the UK every month.”
Steve Scrimshaw, VP at Siemens Energy UK & Ireland, said: “Energy policy demands clarity, so we welcome the creation of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
“It’s vital we don’t get left behind and miss the regional and global economic opportunities that decarbonisation can deliver.
“The most important issue is how to implement this programme faster, it is our hope that this new department works in lockstep with industry to develop energy transition policies that give us the long-term clarity to move into a decade of green delivery.”
Atkins’ Managing Director for Nuclear and Power, EMEA, Christophe Junillon said: “Energy security and net zero are intrinsically linked: a reliable, resilient energy system will power our future economy.
“The new Department for Energy Security and Net Zero should enable the focus needed to plan and deliver clean, affordable and secure energy.
“The most urgent priorities to ensure our future energy security and deliver net zero must be to: accelerate the development of proven nuclear and offshore wind; address the need for significant increases in energy storage; and build new transmission and distribution infrastructure to connect and provide energy to where the demand is greatest.
“In parallel the UK will need to progress new technology such as nuclear SMR and carbon capture and storage; and swiftly determine the role hydrogen could play in our energy system.”