Thread by @jbuckland13

THREAD: Confess I am a tad bias having written a few versions, but great to see the publication of an enjoyable and far-reaching White Paper. No easy task outlining how to make net zero possible, but a great start made from Govt. Some key reflections..

gov.uk/government/pub…

(1) Electricity the future energy currency: Electrification the big winner, with a clear focus that continues the theme of the PM's 10-point plan to drive heat pumps and EVs. Hydrogen still critical, but electricity critical for the new 2030 target.

(2) Twice as fun: The huge uptick in electrification will means electricity capacity must double. As well as big increase in renewables, need firm-power to keep costs down, hence CCUS, nuclear, hydrogen etc. Great to see 2050 modelling and not lock-in specific tech targets.

(3) Take back control: While the market must drive down prices further through changes to CfD etc, clearly need greater coordination. Great to see changes to energy system governance critical to net zero, with more detail to come (and hint of a potential new body).

(4) Beware of the people: Great to see acknowledgement that while there will be costs to transition, they can be kept down and must be distributed fairly. Key challenge as we look to finance £bn's in new energy infrastructure will be keeping bills low and protecting fuel poor.

(5) Big data just got bigger: Big focus on opening up the power of data to improve decision making and improve offers to consumers in the retail market. Great to see a strong focus on the importance of the smart programme in helping to boost consumer engagement.

(6) Price that pollution: Long-awaited decision to introduce a UK ETS to replace the EU ETS from January. Right decision as it lays groundwork for more ambitious approach and leaves open option to extend to wider group of sectors to ensure no carbon escapes unnoticed.

(7) Burn clean: While acknowledging that there will be a continued role for oil and gas, clear focus on the need to clean up operational footprint and invest in new tech (like carbon capture). Much more will need to be done but clear signs that licence to operate linked to green.

I could go on (there is a lot in there). Hats off to all those involved, especially the excellent BEIS team who have kept the flame alive. Lots more to come in 2021, so strap in for a busy year!