Just out: @UKERCHQ Review of Energy Policy 2019. Sets out priorities for next government for #netzero and some challenges our research will focus on over the next few years. Here are our recommendations (thread) ukerc.ac.uk/publications/r…
@UKERCHQ 1. The transition to net-zero will affect the whole economy. Investment and policy decisions by all government departments need to be compatible with this transition - not just @beisgovuk, but also @hmtreasury @mhclg @transportgovuk etc etc.
@UKERCHQ @beisgovuk @hmtreasury @mhclg @transportgovuk 2. Policies to support renewable electricity generation should be more ambitious, building on recent cost reduction successes. Action is also needed to ensure electricity market rules are fit for a fully decarbonised power sector
@UKERCHQ @beisgovuk @hmtreasury @mhclg @transportgovuk 3. Decisions by the energy regulator, Ofgem, should also be compatible with net-zero (a new #netzero primary duty?). Need to enable investment in local electricity networks for heating & transport, and ensure more active use of existing networks
@UKERCHQ @beisgovuk @hmtreasury @mhclg @transportgovuk 4. Local energy systems need more than technology and investment. If they are to play a significant role, more resources and greater powers for Local Authorities(and devolved governments) are needed.
@UKERCHQ @beisgovuk @hmtreasury @mhclg @transportgovuk 5. A clear plan is required for upgrading the UK housing stock. A new heat and energy efficiency White Paper must include policies for widespread deployment of low carbon heat (including demonstrating hydrogen at scale) and for prioritising low income households.
@UKERCHQ @beisgovuk @hmtreasury @mhclg @transportgovuk 6. Whilst the decarbonisation of industry is receiving more attention, policy initiatives are not joined up. Great to have funding for specific projects and industrial clusters, but this needs to be complemented by market creation policies.
@UKERCHQ @beisgovuk @hmtreasury @mhclg @transportgovuk 7. Achieving net-zero requires the phase out of fossil-fuelled vehicles to be brought forward to 2030 (including plug in hybrids). Immediate action is also required to counter the rapid increase in sales of larger cars in recent years, including SUVs.
@UKERCHQ @beisgovuk @hmtreasury @mhclg @transportgovuk 8. Plans to meet net-zero should maximise environmental co-benefits. The implications for land use are particularly significant, as @theCCCuk have discussed at length. Potential negative impacts on ecosystems should be assessed and mitigated
@UKERCHQ @beisgovuk @hmtreasury @mhclg @transportgovuk @theCCCuk 9. Continuing uncertainty about the UK’s relationship with the European Union has already affected decarbonisation plans already (e.g. delayed Energy White Paper). Whatever the outcome, close co-operation with the EU is likely to make it easier to achieve net-zero
@UKERCHQ @beisgovuk @hmtreasury @mhclg @transportgovuk @theCCCuk 10. The transition to net-zero should not compromise energy security. In light of the events on August 9th, responsibilities for ensuring system resilience need to be clarified and applied in a more rigorous way
