The newly expanded Net Zero Council in the UK, comprising businesses, trade unions, local authorities, investors, and other public and private stakeholders, convened for its inaugural meeting this week to discuss ways to expedite the nation’s clean energy transition.
Originally launched in 2023 by former energy minister Graham Stuart, the Council is now co-chaired by energy secretary Ed Miliband and Co-operative Group CEO Shirine Khoury-Haq. The group has expanded to include new members such as the Local Government Association and Design Council.
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero stated that the broadened coalition “strengthens the Council’s ability to unlock the opportunities of decarbonisation” while supporting the creation of thousands of jobs.
Over the next two years, the Council’s priorities will include providing expert advice to shape government strategies, assisting small and medium-sized enterprises in their decarbonisation efforts, facilitating the development of sector roadmaps, and influencing the government’s approach to public engagement on net zero.
A newly established delivery group will oversee the Council’s workstreams and guide progress toward achieving these objectives.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband emphasized the economic potential of the clean energy transition, stating, “Businesses and leaders across our country recognise that clean power and accelerating towards net zero represents the economic opportunity of the 21st century. By working in partnership, we can drive the investment, innovation and industrial transformation needed to make the UK a clean energy superpower.
Shirine Khoury-Haq, CEO of the Co-operative Group, expressed her commitment to the role of co-chair, noting, “I’m delighted to be continuing my role as co-chair of the Net Zero Council. The science couldn’t be clearer that we must act collectively and decisively, and co-operation between businesses, civic society and government is what we need now more than ever.
