UK Clean Growth Strategy mirrors EI Energy Barometer findings

The key energy policy priorities of professionals working across the UK energy sector have been addressed in the UK government’s long-awaited Clean Growth Strategy.

The strategy – a comprehensive package designed to meet the UK’s legally binding obligation to reduce emissions by 57% below 1990 levels by 2030 – delivers on many of the ‘asks’ expressed by UK energy professionals in the recent 2017 Energy Barometer.

"This breathes new life into decarbonising the UK and the skills that will make it happen", said Energy Institute (EI) Chief Executive Louise Kingham, who highlighted the key areas of concern to EI members.

"Taking energy efficiency seriously in homes, businesses and industry will cut emissions, bring down bills and increase productivity more effectively than anything else. Putting CCS back at the table and action to tackle emissions from heat, alongside renewables, nuclear and electric vehicles, make this a credible plan."

"But meeting the UK’s carbon targets is ultimately a numbers game and the real proof will be in the delivery. Hitting 57% emission reduction by 2030 in a cost-effective way, and realising the big industrial wins that come with that, calls for a no-surprises investment climate."

"Energy professionals are primed and ready to bring their skills to bear and be at the heart of this transition."

The EI’s 2017 Energy Barometer, published in June, found UK energy professionals considered energy efficiency the top priority for cutting emissions at least cost, with 64% of respondents rating it as key to seizing the economic advantages of the shift to low carbon.

They felt policy uncertainty was making carbon capture and storage (CCS) the riskiest area of the energy system for investors, with 73% of respondents rating the risk as high.

An overview of the Clean Growth Strategy by the EI’s Knowledge Service team can be viewed at knowledge.energyinst.org/Energy-Matrix/product?product=108887