The Renewable Energy Association (REA) has issued a cautionary note to the UK government following remarks made by Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho, emphasizing the importance of maintaining green targets and policies.
In her recent speech, Coutinho expressed reservations about London becoming a “Net Zero Leviathan of central planning,” raising concerns within the REA about a potential slowdown in the delivery of green energy targets and policies.
The association underscored the significance of Coutinho's focus on innovation but stressed the essential role of government in facilitating progress. REA chief Nina Skorupska emphasized, “As the energy industry has been saying for many years, if you want to deliver affordable energy security, you need stable and long-term policies against which both innovations can be developed, and investments made.”
Skorupska highlighted the pivotal role of existing climate targets and policies in enabling businesses to plan, develop supply chains, build skills, and create jobs, ultimately leading to reduced prices for UK consumers.
While acknowledging the importance of innovation and uncertainty as stimulants for risk and product development, the REA urged the government to ensure clarity and ambition in its vision, particularly in the lead-up to an election.
Skorupska emphasized the need for a clear vision backed by ambitious policies, stating, “Going into an election, industry wants to see a clear vision backed by ambitious policies. This means ensuring that existing commitments are not watered down, while delivering sensible policies that ensure the UK remains an attractive market for investment in our world-leading innovative renewable energy sector.”
