Following the previously published ‘energy sector reacts’ piece offering an overview of concerned responses to today’s ‘Green Day’ announcement, Current± includes a summary of supportive responses from the energy sector below.
Out with ‘outdated’ levies and in with investment support
Positive responses to the government’s announcement praised measures taken to support energy security by removing “outdated” policies.
“We’re delighted the Government is looking to remove outdated levies from electricity bills,” said Greg Jackson, CEO and founder of Octopus Energy
“A cheaper, greener, more secure future is an electrified future – and ending these taxes on increasingly clean electricity is essential.”
Lawrence Slade, chief executive of the Energy Networks Association added: “Investment and innovation in Great Britain’s electricity and gas networks is crucial if we are to reach net zero in time.
“That’s why we have thousands of innovation projects under way and are investing billions over the next decade to get our grids net zero ready. The clock’s ticking and we need planning, regulation and policy to keep pace. It’s great to see this being recognised by government today.”
Confidence in Carbon Clusters
The rollout of the first Carbon Capture Usage and Storage clusters was also announced this morning, a measure praised by HyNet’s David Parkin.
Project director at the industrial decarbonisation cluster, Parkin said: “We are absolutely delighted that the rollout the first Carbon Capture clusters has been brought closer today. HyNet will decarbonise one of the UK’s most important industrial heartlands with the North-West supporting the most manufacturing jobs of any UK region.
“This is good news for the UK’s fight against climate change, good news for the North West and North Wales region, and good news for British industry and the economy.”
Supporting UK solar
Members of the solar sector were especially encouraged by the Government’s pledge to establish a roadmap and taskforce to bolster the growth of the UK sector.
“Solar Energy UK strongly welcomes the taskforce, which is a clear indication from the Government that it wants the UK to take full advantage of solar energy’s vast economic potential,” said Chris Hewett, chief executive of Solar Energy UK.
“We look forward to working closely with ministers to lay the path towards a five-fold increase in solar capacity in the UK by 2035 and addressing the key barriers to unlock the full potential of all scales of solar and energy storage.
“In particular, the new body needs to address the need for major improvements in network capacity and management, support for skills and training so the workforce can grow in line with demand for the technologies and ensure finance and markets are available for solar to be accessible to all businesses and individuals.”
