04 Apr Net Zero Strategy UK – Ensuring the UK remains on track to achieve emission targets

Industry leaders are concerned whether the UK is remaining on track to achieve its climate agreements, as reports of energy plans suggest more decisive policies are required to reach the desired carbon reductions. 

The recently revamped plans associated with the net zero strategies include new measures in sectors from biomass to solar and electric vehicles to nuclear. UK Parliament highlighted the UK’s progress on decarbonisation, noting its rate of transitioning towards low-carbon alternatives, reducing carbon emissions by over 40%.

Recent analysis, however, suggests that the changes to energy policies will make it more challenging to achieve the necessary emissions reductions, and without further changes, targets could be missed. At the core of the strategy are the UK’s legally binding agreement to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 and its commitment under the Paris Agreement to the nationally determined contribution (NDC) to reduce emissions by 68% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. Within the assessment of the NDC, representatives stated that emissions savings of 92% were quantified and emphasised that delivering additional reductions by unquantified policies would close this gap. The report also explained that the Government intends to introduce further measures, to ensure we achieve all international commitments.

Despite the optimism from government leaders, some industry experts believe more action is required to ensure these figures remain achievable. Chris Venables, the head of politics at the think tank Green Alliance believes there needs to be a clear path toward net zero and show clear progress towards these goals.

Representatives for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero recently stated that the UK remains focused on achieving our international targets, including the NDC agreement. We are on the right path to reaching carbon budgets, delivering new jobs and additional investment nationwide while continuing to reduce emissions. According to the spokesperson, the carbon budget delivery plan is a long-term measure for a transition over 15 years, defining the path to net zero by 2050.

Carbon capture and storage (CCS)

A large part of the government strategy enabling continued dependence on fossil fuels is reliance on the deployment of carbon capturing and storage technologies in the North Sea region. The Government noted eight specific projects to progress within its funding plans, including one supported by BP, and intends to generate £20 billion of investment in CCS over the next 20 years.

Hydrogen and Nuclear Energy

The Government listed 20 new hydrogen projects expected to gain from the £240 million fund supporting the development of these fuels that the Government believes is critical to a low carbon future. Discussions continue applying hydrogen in homes and heating and fossil fuel businesses utilising hydrogen to enable drilling activities to continue. A new organisation called Great British Nuclear will focus on creating smaller projects that the Government believes will be vital to achieving its target of generating a quarter of domestic electricity from nuclear by 2050.

Onshore Wind

There was hope from the wind industry that the new strategy would remove the ban on onshore wind farms. There is a drive for additional onshore wind from green groups due to its ability to power the grid far quicker than nuclear and create more stable energy prices for customers.

Grid Connections

The government remains focused on accelerating renewable power generation and nuclear energy, but little information exists on the challenge of enhancing the domestic ageing electricity network. New wind facilities, battery storage and other energy facilities required to alleviate intermittency in renewables are very dependent on planning permissions and, to an extent, a lack of grid capacity. Andy Willis, the founder of Kona Energy, explains that without considerable reforms of grid connections, the potential of clean energy development will slow, hindered by policies and bureaucratic barriers.

Agriculture

The latest plans lacked much focus on agriculture, despite farming and food prices being affected by energy costs and agriculture representing one of the main sources of emissions in the UK. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs took part in the latest plans, but a specific land use strategy won’t be announced until June. This plan will address the future of farming emissions and the potential to grow trees and restore nature to store carbon and offset remaining emissions.