A new Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, has been tasked with securing the UK’s long-term energy supply, bringing down bills and halving inflation.
The development confirms earlier media reports that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been planning a new standalone energy department, through breaking up BEIS.
A Government announcement stated: “The move recognises the significant impact rising prices have had on households across the country as a result of Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine, and the need to secure more energy from domestic nuclear and renewable sources as we seize the opportunities of net zero.
The Grant Shapps has been appointed as Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, as part of a wider cabinet reshuffle.
An earlier BBC report stated that it is understood that Sunak “wants more focus” on securing the UK’s energy future, particularly after the recent price spikes.
Greenpeace UK’s director of policy, Doug Parr, said re-establishing a Department for Energy “will be as helpful as rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic”, in the face of spiralling energy costs and intensify climate disasters.
“It’s government policy and underinvestment that is holding back real action on the climate and energy crises, not the departments or ministers in place,” Parr said.
He added: “Unless a new-look Department for Energy is given the freedom and funding to rapidly scale up renewable energy production – both offshore and on – to shore up domestic supply, as well as roll out a nationwide scheme to insulate the tens of millions of energy-wasting homes across the country, what’s the point?”