Exploring an ‘historic opportunity' offered by net zero
Chris Skidmore publishes his Net Zero Review, setting out the ‘historic opportunity’ offered by net zero. ‘Mission Zero’, his Net Zero Review, makes 129 recommendations covering areas including the greater role that business can be supported to play, making better use of infrastructure and delivering more energy-efficient homes.
Using infrastructure to unlock net zero
- Accelerating the implementation of the British Energy Security Strategy to update the mandate of Ofgem, creating the Future System Operator and accelerating the connection of cheaper renewables such as solar and onshore wind.
- Developing a cross-sectoral infrastructure strategy by 2025 supporting the building and adaptation of infrastructure for electricity, hydrogen, other liquid and gaseous fuels and CO2 networks that support the green economy.
- Reforming our approach to planning, so that where locally supported, more solar and onshore wind can be developed more easily, helping communities reap the benefits of cheaper low-carbon electricity.
Creating sustainable net zero governance structures
- Developing an overarching government financing strategy by the end of 2023.
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Establishing an Office for Net Zero Delivery, responsible for placing net zero delivery at the heart of Government thinking.
Backing businesses to go green
- Reviewing incentives for investment in decarbonisation, including via the tax system and capital allowances, and protecting British industries from environmental undercutting by progressing plans on carbon leakage measures and providing more detail on the UK’s new Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).
- Building skills needed for the transition by driving forward the Green Jobs Taskforce recommendations and launching a ‘Help to Grow Green’ campaign, offering information and support to SMEs to plan and invest in the transition.
Catalysing local action
- Reforming the planning system at local and national level to place net zero at its heart.
- Back at least one Trailblazer Net Zero City, Local Authority and Community, with the aim for these places to reach net zero by 2030.
Increasing transparency and engaging people
- Expanding the government’s public reporting on net zero.
- Ramping up public information through a new engagement plan, a new carbon calculator on the carbon cost of choices, and a standardised approach to eco labelling on products.
