Today the Climate Change Committee (CCC), published its Progress in reducing emissions, 2023 report to Parliament. Responding to the report, Lawrence Slade, Chief Executive, Energy Networks Association, which represents the UK's energy network operators, said:
“This is a major wake-up call from the CCC. The country is risking decision paralysis if deadlines and milestones slip.
“I was pleased the committee continues to recognise there’s no one solution to get us to the governments' net zero targets and we agree the plans for a rapid expansion of zero-carbon generation and general electrification work should be supported by a correspondingly clear vision for the development of hydrogen production and storage infrastructure. To translate this to delivering the required infrastructure, we need Government to provide greater certainty for investors, more transparency around how decisions will be made and more speed to the creation of schemes that everyone agrees are needed.
“In particular, there’s a clear imperative for radical reform in planning policy so the government, regulators, local authorities and the energy sector can create a more straightforward and streamlined process for delivering vital projects and upgrades, such as grid infrastructure.”
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Philip Baker
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About Energy Networks Association
Energy Networks Association (ENA) is the industry body representing the electricity wires, gas pipes and energy system in the UK and Ireland.
ENA helps its members meet the challenge of delivering electricity and gas to communities across the UK and Ireland safely, sustainably and reliably.
Its members include every major electricity and gas network operator in the UK and Ireland, independent operators, National Grid ESO which operates the electricity system in Great Britain and National Gas which operates the gas system in Great Britain. Its affiliate membership also includes companies with an interest in energy, including Heathrow Airport and Network Rail.
What are energy network operators?
Energy network operators manage and maintain the wires, pipes and other infrastructure which delivers electricity and gas to your home, business and community. They are private companies which are regulated by Ofgem and employ around 40,000 people in Great Britain.