Some initial reflections on the @CSkidmoreUK Net Zero Review. At 340 pages and with 129 recommendations there is a lot to crunch through…
gov.uk/government/new… (1) Ambition is not enough: Clear headline finding is that targets and promises are one thing, but consumers and businesses need certainty on the policy pathway, especially this decade. Detailed, granular plans are needed fast.

Coming to this late after a few days off, but hugely excited to see the Energy Bill in the Queen's Speech. I can attest to the tireless years officials have spent trying to get this over political hurdle for inclusion and the day has finally arrived. A great deal to like...

https://twitter.com/beisgovuk/status/1524008357690060801

On the big infrastructure side, will finally create the frameworks needed to accelerate investment in CCUS and hydrogen - both critical for net zero power system by 2035. Will also create a clearer long-term framework for network build and help sort the energy institutional mess.

🧵Looks like we will finally see the long-promised UK Energy Strategy this week. Lots has been written on what technologies Govt will commit to, but five key things I am looking for beyond the headlines... (1) Delivery, not targets: Easy to set GW targets, but vital that Govt outlines how it will actually deliver them on the ground. Commitment to a detailed planning and consenting review critical, as well as clarity on network delivery that is so vital for offshore wind and CCS.

(1/7) Excited to launch my 🌿'Green Money' 🌿report with @WeAreBrightBlue proposing a comprehensive reform of carbon taxes to hit net zero emissions. Alongside other measures to drive investment and support consumers carbon pricing is critical, but...
brightblue.org.uk/new-carbon-tax… (2/7)...as highlighted by the team at @EnergySysCat, the UK's current approach to pricing carbon is piecemeal, with significant inconsistencies across different sectors, weakening the case for adopting green technologies. Also...

An interesting document out from Govt on public attitudes to net zero. Not detailed polling, but in-depth conversations about what people really think about the transition. Three useful bits to reflect on...
gov.uk/government/pub… People get what net zero is (more or less) and believe something should be done about it. Expectation that Govt needs to take a lead and political consensus is key. Idea that environmental issues are of niche interest is for the birds...

THREAD: Just catching up on the Treasury's Net Zero review. Vitally important report that fires the starting gun on developing a fair and equitable climate transition. Only an interim report, but a few interesting points to reflect on...
gov.uk/government/new… (1/5) No longer business as usual: Report makes clear that net zero will mean real changes to how we live, work and get around. Obvious, but language is far stronger than in previous documents from Treasury. Important honesty that will help justify more radical policy to come.

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.

THREAD (1/7) Quick take on 10 point green plan: Serious set of net zero commitments that show PM wants to make his record on green jobs central to the Tory platform at the next election. Further detail will be needed on delivery, but this is an important step-forward on net zero. (2/7): Ambitious targets for key tech fits the way PM operates (e.g. mass testing) – set a demanding goal that will require huge changes to deliver. Clear that this approach can work (offshore wind). 2030 commitment to phase out ICE vehicles was unthinkable just a few years ago.

THREAD: Given the Prime Minister will shortly publish his long-awaited 10-point green plan, I thought I would set out what I would have recommended he did if I was still in No10. Lots no doubt missing, but hopefully ambitious, while still being politically possible. #1 Net Zero power supplies: Given importance of electrification, set a bold date to completely decarbonise (more or less) electricity. Could be 2040, or even earlier. Should also set out 10-year ‘Acceleration Plan’ for bringing forward non-commercial tech (e.g., floating wind).

Really useful report from @zeroc_official on the need for a more comprehensive approach to carbon pricing to achieve net zero. Some controversial bits, but helps to move the debate forward in a critical year as UK sets new approach to carbon pricing post-Brexit. Three key bits:

https://twitter.com/zeroc_official/status/1307945622922723329

(1) Approach to carbon pricing too patchy (a point well made by (@EnergySysCat), with the cost varying hugely across (and within) different sectors. Govt should commit to an overall price target and work out how best to deliver it in each sector.

Great report out today on my favourite subject - carbon pricing. Led by the excellent @racheljanetwolf. It's ambitious to say the least, but in a politically charged area we need the boldness to inch towards a coherent regime that drives investment. 3 things jumped out to me...

https://twitter.com/zeroc_official/status/1277519439685132288

1: The mixed signals in the power sector need to be fixed. The UK ETS won't quite do it, but there is finally an opportunity to create a more definable (and investable) single price. The idea to utilise it to help cut subsidy costs is a good one.

Given today's focus on #Treasury delivering a #GreenRecovery, here's a short thread on the 5 things I would be advising the Chancellor to do if I was still there. As an ex-Treasury official there will be too few ££s for some, but hopefully still ambitious.
thetimes.co.uk/edition/news/c… #1 Dig what’s shovel ready: Target precious public funds at the things that will actually spark economic activity now. Focus should be on immediately deployable technologies, like energy efficiency measures, heat-pumps and EVs (not a diesel scrappage scheme).

Just catching up with @beisgovuk future UK carbon pricing document. A few brief thoughts on an approach which while not quite ground-breaking at this stage, could yet set the gold standard on carbon pricing internationally ahead of #COP26. (1/7)
gov.uk/government/new… The name of the game is getting a scheme up and running as soon as possible. Design is as close to EU ETS as its defendable to ensure transition is smooth for businesses. Will be unpopular with some who see it as a missed opportunity. (2/7)