RenewableUK has called on politicians from all UK parties to maximise the generation of low-cost clean power to help meet net zero carbon emission targets.
The call came in R-UK’s manifesto for the general election – ‘The Tipping Point: Clean Power at Net Zero Scale’.
The document says there needs to be a clear strategy to ensure that the UK reaches its legally-binding net zero emissions target quickly and cheaply so that consumers and businesses reap the economic benefits.
R-UK said parties should support increased ambition for offshore wind, with Contract for Difference auctions to continue on a regular basis.
It asks the next government to review the frequency and structure of the auctions to maximise deployment, as well as encouraging investment in the UK supply chain.
Ministers should also co-ordinate better across departments to address issues, such as aviation radar constraints and improved resourcing for the planning bodies.
A new strategy backing onshore wind should also be a priority of the next government.
The manifesto calls for onshore wind to have access to CfD auctions and for an update to the planning system to allow older turbines to be replaced by more modern versions.
Support should also go to innovative renewables, such as floating offshore wind and marine energy, in the CfD regime.
R-UK said floating wind will be needed to fully harness the UK’s offshore wind potential.
By 2050, floating wind can support up to 17,000 UK jobs and deliver up to £33.6bn of economic activity, it predicted.
The manifesto also says innovative power purchase agreements with private companies should be encouraged to support new renewables.
It said the remit of the energy regulator Ofgem should be overhauled, as it currently doesn’t factor in the country’s binding net zero target.
“This means that Ofgem cannot currently encourage investment in a fully flexible, smart, clean energy system for the future,” R-UK said.
Changing Ofgem’s remit would allow new investment in the infrastructure needed for net zero and grid charges could be structured in a way which promotes decarbonisation, it added.
R-UK director of strategic communications Luke Clark said: “Building an energy system led by renewables is the only way to achieve net zero emissions quickly and cheaply, and it will create massive economic opportunities for all parts of the UK.
“This includes coastal communities where new offshore wind and marine energy businesses are clustering together, creating new centres of excellence in the heartlands of old industry.
“But the level of ambition has to be higher to meet voters’ expectations of rapid action against climate change.
“The next government has to put in place clear plans to put us on track to meet our climate targets.
“You can’t be credible on net zero if you’re not serious about onshore wind – we need to use every technology at our disposal to deliver the energy transition that voters are demanding.”
Meanwhile, the Solar Trade Association has set out three key recommendations for the next government to deliver policies to help meet the net zero goal.
They are holding regular CfD auctions that include solar, amending Ofgem’s remit to include the UK’s net zero emissions target and rolling out policies to boost rooftop solar, including in the new build housing sector.