STORY
The Government is reported to be considering greater flexibility in parts of its net zero programme, including its clean power timetable and targets for electric vehicle sales. The Times reported that Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh is prepared to prioritise affordability for households if meeting the existing 2030 clean power timetable would put additional pressure on bills.
The report said that the target for substantially reducing fossil fuel use in electricity generation could be allowed to slip by one or two years if necessary. The Department for Transport is also expected to examine the zero emission vehicle mandate, which currently requires an increasing proportion of new car sales to be electric and is scheduled to reach 80% by 2030. Options reportedly under consideration include lowering that 2030 requirement.
No final change to either policy has been announced and the Government continues to say that the overall direction towards net zero remains unchanged. Any relaxation would nevertheless represent a significant adjustment in the way the targets are delivered, with ministers seeking to balance environmental commitments against the cost of living, consumer demand and concerns from manufacturers about the pace of the transition.