Tag: Energy Security and Net Zero Department

  • PRESS RELEASE : One-stop-shop to help businesses save money and go green [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : One-stop-shop to help businesses save money and go green [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 14 August 2023.

    British businesses will be able to access new advice and support to reduce their energy bills and cut their carbon emissions from the UK Business Climate Hub.

    • Business website offers new help for Britain’s 5.5 million SMEs to save on their energy bills while reducing their emissions
    • the hub will provide small businesses with advice on everything from paying less for EVs, getting a low-carbon heat pump, to generating green energy and selling it back to the grid to make money
    • comes as industry leaders and ministers on the new Net Zero Council call on all businesses from Aberystwyth to Aberdeen to develop net zero sector roadmaps

    British businesses will be able to access brand new advice and support to reduce their energy bills while cutting their carbon emissions.

    The UK Business Climate Hub launched today (14 August 2023) includes a free carbon calculator and a suite of new tools to help businesses measure, track and report on their emissions and save money by using less energy. It offers detailed advice on everything from sourcing products from green suppliers and reducing emissions from freight and logistics to the most cost-effective ways of installing solar panels and electric vehicle (EV) charging points.

    Research shows that such measures can significantly save companies on their overheads. For example:

    • switching to EVs can not only cut running costs but also lower servicing and maintenance costs by around 40% compared to petrol or diesel cars
    • with up to half of companies’ overall electricity bill coming from lighting, making changes such as switching to LED bulbs can help shave up to 40% off bills
    • giving drivers fuel efficiency training can help save companies an average of 15% on fuel use and carbon emissions in transporting goods

    The new support is aimed particularly at 5.5 million small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) in the UK, with business and industry accounting for around 25% of emissions. Research shows that 90% of SMEs are keen to tackle climate change, but find it difficult to know how or where to start to find the right solutions to reduce their carbon footprint.

    Studies also show 85% of consumers are more likely to buy from a business with a reputation for sustainability, meaning going green can help grow the economy.

    Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Graham Stuart, said:

    The UK has cut its emissions more than any other major economy in the world. More and more businesses are recognising the business benefits of reaching net zero and we’re determined to empower them to do so.

    The new UK Business Climate Hub is a one-stop-shop for businesses to find practical advice to reduce their carbon footprint and save on their energy bills.

    Whether it’s fitting a low-carbon heat pump, generating energy with solar panels, or reducing the emissions from shipping goods, the new support will ensure businesses can drive towards net zero.

    The new UK Business Climate Hub serves as a one-stop-shop for businesses who have yet to start making changes, as well as those who are already taking action to reduce emissions but want to take things to the next level. As well as helping bosses measure and report on their emissions, the site provides advice and support on an array of things, including:

    • switching employee modes of transport and paying less for company EVs
    • getting business grants, green loans and financing for a retrofit
    • getting an air source heat pump
    • generating green energy with a wind turbine and selling it back to the grid
    • reducing emissions from farming and land use
    • buying credible carbon offsets
    • getting low-carbon product labels and certifications
    • reducing waste and recycling more

    National Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses, Martin McTague, said:

    We are pleased to have contributed to the new UK Business Climate Hub that will provide businesses with trusted tools and information to help them navigate the net zero transition.

    SMEs recognise their role in net zero but many still find it challenging to access the relevant support and resources to play their part. This new official platform for advice and support will really help.

    In addition to helping small firms become more energy and resource efficient, the hub also has the opportunity to empower small firms to take ambitious steps towards net zero, ultimately ensuring that they also benefit from the economic opportunities created in a net zero economy.

    The new site is endorsed by business leaders and ministers on the new Net Zero Council and comes as the organisation calls on business representative organisations across the country to take concerted action to plan to reduce their members’ emissions.

    The group, comprising CEOs from leading companies including Co-op, HSBC, Siemens and Cemex, have developed a new business roadmap framework to help empower businesses to work with others in their sector to create tailored action plans for their own industry to decarbonise.

    These sector roadmaps would help companies the length and breadth of the country, from Aberdeen to Aberystwyth, and Penzance to Peterborough, to transition to net zero.

    Co-Chair of the Net Zero Council, Co-op Group Chief Executive Shirine Khoury-Haq, said:

    None of us will get to net zero without all of us getting to net zero, so ensuring that every business and every sector has a clear plan for delivering this non-negotiable target is key. I hope the UK Business Climate Hub will be a valuable tool for business leaders looking for guidance and support in this vital endeavour.

    The framework, which has been endorsed by the Net Zero Council and that is being published today, is designed to support organisations working to articulate a credible roadmap to net zero on a sector by sector basis.

    In 2020 the UK was estimated to already have over 400,000 jobs in low carbon businesses and their supply chains across the country, with turnover at £41.6 billion. Over 80,000 green jobs are currently being supported or are in the pipeline because of new government policies since 2020, with that expected to increase to as many as nearly half a million by 2030.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Bespoke energy advice to help thousands of hard-to-reach households save on bills [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Bespoke energy advice to help thousands of hard-to-reach households save on bills [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 12 August 2023.

    Households across the country will benefit from specialist face-to-face advice on how to make their home more energy efficient and save on their energy bills.

    • More than 125,000 consumers to receive face-to-face advice on home efficiency upgrades
    • new advice services, backed by £20 million of government funding, will help those in hard-to-treat homes and the hard to reach, such as the elderly and those without internet access
    • special energy cafes, ‘green doctor’ and a retrofit bus among innovative schemes to help people save on bills

    Households across the country will benefit from specialist in-person advice on how to make their home more energy efficient and save on their energy bills.

    Backed by £20 million of government funding, 36 pilot services will trial new ways to get expert advice out to those that need it most, with more than 125,000 households to benefit across England.

    This will be particularly targeted at those in hard-to-treat homes, such as listed buildings, as well as those who are hard to reach, such as the elderly and people who do not have internet access.

    In Birmingham, locals will be able to pop into new energy cafes across the city to find out how to make their homes more efficient. The initiative, backed by over £800,000, aims to make the advice accessible to more people over a friendly chat.

    Elsewhere, a new ‘green doctor’, backed by £302,000, will be offering ‘home check-ups’ for older and low-income households in North Yorkshire and Cumbria to advise on which energy efficiency measures would be beneficial in their homes.

    This is expected to help more than 19,000 households install retrofit measures, ranging from loft and cavity wall insulation to draught proofing, better heating controls, and new heat pumps.

    It forms the latest in a series of support to help households keep their bills down, as part of the government’s efforts to cut inflation.

    Other projects to receive funding today include a retrofit electric bus to bring on-the-road energy saving tips to customers around North Yorkshire. While in Lincolnshire, an electric energy van will travel to rural areas of the county to explain how government schemes can help people reduce their energy use.

    Amanda Solloway, Minister for Energy Consumers and Affordability, said:

    We want everyone to be able to get expert advice on how to make their homes more energy efficient, no matter where they live, so they can save money.

    These innovative projects will bring that expertise right to people’s doorsteps, quite literally in some cases, ensuring people are given the best advice on how to save money on their bills and heat their homes for less without needing to search for it.

    This is alongside our investment of billions of pounds to improve energy efficiency across the country – reducing bills at the same time as making sure Britain’s homes are fit for the future.

    Schools and community hubs will also be put to use in projects across the country to help pass on energy advice and support for households.

    Energy efficiency remains the best approach to reducing fuel poverty in the long-term, contributing to warmer homes and reduced energy bills, while helping to cut carbon emissions.

    The new initiative launched today will help households to access these benefits – particularly the elderly and those without internet access, or in listed buildings and rural areas.

    Mike Thornton, Chief Executive at Energy Saving Trust said:

    It’s good news that the government is moving to increase targeted support for those most in need. Personalised advice is crucial in empowering people to confidently make the right changes in their home.

    With our 30 years’ experience delivering advice schemes across the UK we know that funding is most effective when combined with personalised energy efficiency advice.

    National Energy Action chief executive Adam Scorer said:

    Energy advice has never been more important, at National Energy Action, we know the vital role local charities play in supporting their communities on the ground.

    This programme recognises the key role of local projects, especially to support households with limited access to internet, who all too often miss out on advice. As our own local fuel poverty awareness events show, you really can’t overstate the effectiveness of in-person advice.

    Today’s support comes on top of the resources launched earlier this year, including an online Find ways to save energy in your home tool and a new energy efficiency phoneline to help households get quick and accurate information on retrofitting their home.

    Households can also access a range of government support for retrofit upgrades to their homes, including the Home Upgrade Grant and Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, as well as ECO4 and The Great British Insulation Scheme.

    The support forms part of the government’s £6.6 billion energy efficiency drive, with a further £6 billion committed from 2025 to 2028.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Communities at the heart of new fund to boost local growth and energy security [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Communities at the heart of new fund to boost local growth and energy security [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 11 August 2023.

    £10 million fund to open in early Autumn and help deliver government’s ambitions to restore optimism and pride in local communities.

    • New £10 million funding pot to empower local people to develop energy projects to benefit their local areas
    • projects will generate clean energy, such as rural heat networks or rooftop solar, while kick-starting private investment to scale up projects
    • fund will support local jobs and growth, build stronger communities, and enable places to directly benefit from clean, affordable, locally sourced energy

    Rural and local communities across England will be supported in setting up local energy projects that will provide local jobs and deliver energy security, thanks to a new £10 million government fund.

    Both urban and rural communities will have the chance to win a portion of a new £10 million Community Energy Fund – new government grant funding to help communities develop local renewable energy projects. The Community Energy Fund will open to applications in the early Autumn.

    This funding will help to kickstart projects including small-scale wind farms and rooftop solar partnerships, as well as battery storage, rural heat networks, electric vehicle charging points, and fuel poverty alleviation schemes – all proposed, designed and owned by local people.

    Minister for Nuclear and Networks Andrew Bowie said:

    Local communities are at the heart of our plans to boost our energy security and grow the economy. The Community Energy Fund for England will empower communities to do just that.

    With it, they’ll be able to drive forward innovative energy projects that will have a lasting positive impact, bringing costs down, building stronger communities, and securing clean energy for generations to come.

    Importantly, these energy projects could expand beyond local areas by attracting further investment from the private sector, in turn inspiring other communities to power their area with energy from England.

    Whether in a remote village or city neighbourhood, the projects will deliver families and business with affordable, secure and clean home-grown energy, while helping homes to manage their own energy consumption to bring down costs and reduce fuel poverty.

    Promoting local growth, surplus money generated from the schemes can go directly back to the community through funding local projects such as community gardens and youth employment groups.

    The fund will act as a catalyst for attracting private investment to scale up projects further down the line, supporting high-quality jobs and growth in the area.

    In turn, this will help deliver on the government’s ambitions to restore optimism and pride in local communities as we build a better future across the country.

    Today’s new Community Energy Fund follows the success of the former Rural Community Energy Fund (RCEF), expanding the remit to include renewable energy investment for both rural and urban areas.

    As with the Rural Community Energy Fund, the new fund will be delivered through Local Net Zero Hubs, which support local authorities to develop net zero projects and attract commercial investment.

    The Community Energy Fund will fund projects like Congleton Hydro, which received £73,511 funding from the Rural Community Energy Fund.

    Thanks to government funding, the Congleton Hydro project is producing affordable, clean and secure electricity from a local weir – enough to power the equivalent of 60 homes. The project is not only reducing emissions in the area, but its success has also led to the creation of an annual £5,000 fund for local community projects. This has so far funded a re-wilding programme to protect nature in the local area and an educational programme on helping young people to deliver local sustainability.

    Bob Owen, Chartered Engineer at Congleton Hydro, said:

    The Rural Communities Energy Fund (RCEF) has been a real enabler for Dane Vally Community Energy’s Congleton Hydro, helping us to refine the system design and commission additional environmental studies required by the local planning authority.

    The support received from RCEF is just not monetary, their facilitation of advice and assistance from a great range of contacts has been invaluable. The RCEF support also provided us with the opportunity to develop an education activity that focusses on the sustainability of the environment and a re-wilding programme—giving nature a helping hand.

    Further funds from RCEF have enabled us to successfully specify and design the next Hydro Scheme based on another historic Weir in Congleton park and fund the research and the realisation of a Community Solar Scheme—the Community Share Prospectus. Without this incubator funding from RCEF, it is most unlikely that either scheme would have seen the light of day.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK to host new London Energy Security Conference to rewire global energy resilience [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK to host new London Energy Security Conference to rewire global energy resilience [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 10 August 2023.

    The UK will host a new global energy security conference.

    • Landmark conference in London will bring together international governments and industry leaders on energy security
    • conference will take place in the Spring, to boost international co-operation and support countries to speed up the deployment of clean and resilient energy infrastructure
    • builds on government efforts to bolster UK energy security, including accelerating renewables and nuclear, and supporting North Sea oil and gas production

    The UK will host a new global energy security conference next year, bringing together countries from around the world to shore up critical energy supplies and make the system more resilient to shocks.

    Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps will invite senior government ministers and industry bosses to the landmark London Energy Security Conference, around the time of the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

    The war in Ukraine, and other historic shocks such as the oil crisis of the 1970s, show how interconnected global energy security and critical supply chains are, with the impacts hurting consumers the world over. To prevent this happening again, the UK is convening this new conference to enhance international cooperation and build global resilience against these shocks.

    The conference will take place in the Spring and focus on:

    • building energy resilience nationally and internationally
    • speeding up the deployment of clean and resilient energy infrastructure
    • advancing technologies and innovation to promote greater energy independence
    • cooperating internationally to boost energy security around the world
    • helping provide consumers and businesses with cheaper, more secure energy

    The London Energy Conference follows a significant programme of international engagement by the Energy Security Secretary. In recent months, Grant Shapps has agreed greater collaboration on visits to the United States, Japan, South Korea, India, France and the North Sea Summit in Belgium. These have been on top of holding key talks with global leaders including at the COP27 negotiations at Sharm El-Sheikh, the G7 Energy and Climate Ministers Meeting in Sapporo, the G20 Energy talks in Goa and the UK’s recent leadership in hosting the Ukraine Recovery Conference in London.

    Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps said:

    As history has shown, including more recently with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, global energy security and supply is interconnected. Shockwaves quickly travel around the world and hurt consumers and businesses by sending global prices soaring.

    We acted swiftly to protect the British public, providing unprecedented energy bills support, cutting off all Russian gas supplies and setting out our blueprint for boosting homegrown energy production to power up Britain.

    But energy security does not stop at our borders – our landmark London Energy Security Conference will bring together international governments and industry leaders to help rewire the global energy system and build collective resilience.

    Next year’s London Energy Security Conference will build on the UK’s existing work to boost domestic energy security – with the UK’s decarbonisation leadership to reach net zero by diversifying its energy mix also bringing benefits for global energy security as well. The government has set out plans to power up Britain, by scaling up the deployment of cheap renewables and boosting our homegrown supply of nuclear, while also maximising North Sea production.

    Recent steps taken include:

    This has come alongside the UK working together with allies across Europe, G7 countries, and across the world to accelerate the global transition to clean, reliable sources of power and energy efficiency – both to improve energy security and tackle climate change.

    The UK is also well-placed to bring the international community together on energy, building on world-leading achievements in delivering cleaner, cheaper renewable technologies.

    This includes being the first major economy to legislate for net zero, and between 1990 and 2021, cutting emissions by 48% while growing the economy by 65% – decarbonising faster than any other G7 country.

    The UK has increased the amount of energy coming from renewables from 6.7% in 2010 to 41.5% in 2022, is home to 4 largest offshore wind farms in the world and last year, saw the biggest increase ever in the installation of offshore wind capacity.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government welcomes report on electricity networks as critical to Britain’s energy security [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government welcomes report on electricity networks as critical to Britain’s energy security [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 4 August 2023.

    Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps welcomes report from Nick Winser, the UK’s Electricity Networks Commissioner, and will consider the recommendations before presenting an action plan.

    • Electricity Networks Commissioner Nick Winser review will help UK take full advantage of its renewable energy success
    • independent report outlines ‘vital and achievable’ plans to transform Britain’s electricity transmission system and get more wind and nuclear energy into people’s homes and businesses
    • report comes as government proposes new powers to protect energy system from national security and cyber security risks

    Today’s report by Electricity Networks Commissioner Nick Winser sets out plans to bolster the country’s energy security and ensure the UK is taking full advantage of its position as a world leader in renewables.

    Since 2010, the UK has been hugely successful in increasing investment in renewable energy generation by 500%. To ensure the country is taking full advantage, remains equipped to harness the opportunities of renewable energy, and gets the additional supply of clean power to homes and businesses, the government asked Nick Winser to carry out his review.

    Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps welcomes the report and will consider the recommendations before presenting an action plan later this year to strengthen the UK’s energy security, drive down household bills and grow the economy.

    Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine has had a devastating effect on global energy markets and accelerated the need for more home-grown energy sources, including renewables, nuclear and North Sea oil and gas.

    Today’s report suggests that new power lines can be built in half the time and confirms that, while challenging, speeding up the delivery of strategic electricity transmission lines is “vital and achievable”. A set of recommendations has been put forward to reduce current timescales for delivering onshore transmission network infrastructure to 7 years to help deliver energy security and net zero more quickly. The government will respond to these proposals later this year.

    Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Grant Shapps, said:

    The UK is leading the world on renewable energy and decarbonising faster than any other country in the G7. We must ensure we are taking full advantage of our success and getting the increased supply of homegrown, clean energy that we have at our fingertips to people’s homes and businesses for years to come.

    That is why we asked Nick Winser to carry out this review – I welcome his report and am grateful for his work.

    This is another important step as we continue to reform our energy system to drive down bills, grow the economy and ensure tyrants like Putin can never again use energy as a weapon of war.

    Minister for Networks and Nuclear Andrew Bowie, said:

    With renewable energy already making up around 40% of our total electricity supply, the UK has a world-class renewables sector. We are determined to match this with a world-class system for delivering this growing supply to where it is needed.

    We will be considering Nick Winser’s recommendations closely as we work towards achieving an energy system led by renewables, nuclear and other clean, home-grown technologies.

    Carl Trowell, President, UK Strategic Infrastructure at National Grid, said:

    This report from the Electricity Networks Commissioner is both timely and welcome, following our recent launch of The Great Grid Upgrade, the largest overhaul of the electricity transmission grid in generations, with significant new infrastructure planned across England and Wales.

    There is no time to waste, implementing the proposals and progressing the energy transition at pace is the surest route to more affordable bills, greater energy resilience and a more energy independent UK.

    Rebecca Barnett, Ofgem’s Director of Networks said:

    We need bold reforms to accelerate the delivery of electricity transmission infrastructure needed to end the reliance on fossil fuels for power by 2035.

    Nick Winser sets out an ambitious, highly detailed programme to remove barriers to planning and delivering transmission network and plugging renewable generation into the grid.

    This builds on Ofgem’s work to establish strategic national and regional planning; unlock and accelerate infrastructure investment; and end delays in grid connections to homes, businesses and public services.

    Today’s report comes as the government publishes new proposals to grant Secretary of State for Energy Security powers to direct the Future System Operator (FSO) – the new public body that will be tasked with planning a decarbonised energy system – to take action to address risks to national security.

    The new powers could be deployed if a company, contracting with the FSO, is found to threaten the resilience, safety or security of the UK’s energy system, such as through cyber-attacks and supply chain vulnerabilities.

    These actions could include removing or preventing certain suppliers’ involvement or equipment in our energy supply chain, such as by directing FSO to not contract with third party suppliers to ensure the security of the system.

    The new powers would be used as a last resort option and are in addition to the 2021 National Security and Investment Act, which gives the government the power to address investment and ownership risks to national security.

    They also come on top of a new role for the FSO to use its expertise to plan for certain events that could harm the country’s energy resilience – such as extreme weather or flooding. The FSO will act as an expert adviser to the government on making the UK’s energy system as resilient as possible against such shocks.

    In the coming months, the energy regulator Ofgem will consult on new FSO licence conditions with the eventual aim of including this in the FSO’s new licence conditions under the Energy Bill powers.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Hundreds of thousands of heat network customers to benefit from fairer energy prices [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Hundreds of thousands of heat network customers to benefit from fairer energy prices [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 4 August 2023.

    New plans for heat network customers to receive fairer prices for cleaner heating.

    • New rules for heat network customers to receive fairer prices for cleaner heating
    • proposals will also better protect vulnerable customers
    • consultation launched to shape and improve the future of heat networks while bolstering our energy security

    Hundreds of thousands of heat network customers could benefit from fairer energy prices under new plans unveiled by government today (4 August).

    Under the proposals, homes and businesses supplied by heat networks would receive greater consumer protections currently only afforded to those on traditional gas and electricity contracts.

    This would ensure fairer prices through their inclusion in a potential future price cap on energy bills, consistent standards for quality of service and supply of heat, backed up with regular and clear bills.

    From 2025, Ofgem will be able to step in where homes and businesses have problems with disproportionate pricing, poor customer service and poor reliability.

    Ofgem’s actions could also include fines for poor service and ensuring operators pay compensation to customers if there is a supply outage.

    People in vulnerable circumstances, such as the elderly or those living with health conditions, would also be better protected, with heat network operators required to keep a register of these customers.

    Lord Callanan, Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance, said:

    We’re investing millions to build new heat networks, reducing emissions and providing low-cost heating to communities across the country.

    Heat networks allow people to heat their homes more cleanly, while cutting their costs and reducing carbon emissions. They are also an important tool in our push for greater energy security and independence.

    As more homes and businesses are connected to these innovative systems, it’s only right we ensure consumers are properly protected, pay a fair price for their energy, and are given the best service possible.

    Heat networks can supply heating and hot water by unlocking large scale renewable and recycled heat found underground or generated through manufacturing, providing low-cost energy to thousands of people.

    The consultation will contribute to the target of 20% of the country’s heating being supplied by heat networks by 2050.

    Views from consumer groups and industry will also be used to help shape the regulatory framework that Ofgem will use to monitor and enforce consumer protection regulations.

    A regulated and trusted sector where standards are harmonised and where heat network developers can benefit from rights and powers to help them develop will also attract greater investment.

    In May, the government announced £22 million of funding to develop the UK’s first system drawing heat from deep underground in Cornwall. The Langarth Deep Geothermal Heat Network will use geothermal energy from hot granite rocks beneath Cornwall to heat 3,800 local homes and public facilities in the region.

    This was one of 7 ground-breaking heat network projects across England that received a share of £91 million through the Green Heat Network Fund.

    The government has also launched the £32 million Heat Network Efficiency Scheme to make vital upgrades to old and inefficient heat networks, providing thousands of homes in England and Wales with cheaper, greener energy.

    The Heat networks consumer protection consultation closes on 27 October 2023.

    Stakeholder quotes

    Caroline Bragg, Interim CEO of the Association for Decentralised Energy:

    We commend the government’s decision to launch a consultation with Ofgem on consumer protections for heat networks — a milestone long awaited by our sector.

    If the UK is to successfully deliver on net zero, zero carbon heat networks must indisputably take centre stage as the primary heating solution for buildings, and so it is critical that the millions of businesses and households that will benefit from them are properly supported.

    A low carbon, resilient and affordable energy future hinges on our collective commitment to clearing the barriers that stand in the way of widespread heat network adoption and rapidly scaling up deployment across the UK – to enable that, what we need to see next is regulation and zoning coming together to propel the exponential growth of heat networks.

    Tom Woodward, Association Secretary, The UK District Energy Association:

    Whilst we know that many customers connected to heat networks have received a good quality service at a fair price, we welcome this consultation on behalf of our 160 members as the next step on the journey to the introduction of sector wide regulation, which will support those many customers who have not received this fair deal and quality of service they should expect from their heat network.

    Stephen Knight, Director, Heat Trust

    As the national consumer champion for heat networks, Heat Trust has long campaigned for the regulation of the sector and we therefore welcome this important consultation. Heat networks have a key role to play in the decarbonisation of heating in the UK, but customer experiences must improve if consumers are to gain confidence in district and communal heating systems.

    Whilst many heat network customers get a reliable and value-for-money heating system, sadly, too many do not. Too often customers experience high prices, unreliable systems, and poor customer service.

    It is therefore critically important that this consultation helps deliver regulations that achieve tangible improvements in terms of price protection, reliability and service quality and we urge all those with an interest in the sector to respond.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Energy security boost with multi-million backing for renewables [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Energy security boost with multi-million backing for renewables [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 3 August 2023.

    Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps announces £22 million uplift for flagship scheme.

    • £22 million boost for government’s flagship renewables scheme, making available contracts for renewable power generation potentially worth billions of pounds in total over the scheme’s lifetime
    • funding for established technologies such as solar and offshore wind, some of the cheapest domestic energy sources available, will ensure Britain remains a global leader in renewable energy
    • the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme plays a key role in boosting the UK’s energy security, growing our economy and powering more of Britain from Britain

    A multi-million-pound boost for cleaner, more secure energy will make Britain the ‘first choice’ for investors, Grant Shapps said today.

    The Energy Security Secretary today announced a £22 million increase in government backing for renewables through the flagship Contracts for Difference scheme – taking the total budget to £227 million for this auction.

    The scheme – launched in 2014 – is the government’s main system for supporting low-carbon electricity generation and has already led to an increase in the proportion of the UK’s energy coming from renewables.

    In 2022, renewables fuelled around 42% of the UK’s electricity generation – up from 7% in 2010 – compared to around 21% in the US and 23% in Japan.

    In the first quarter of 2023, renewables generated a record 48% of our electricity, all making strong progress towards our targets to deliver a decarbonised power sector by 2035 and net zero by 2050.

    The increased funding combined with the introduction of annual auctions this year, will boost investments in Britain’s world-leading renewable industry, while strengthening the UK’s energy security, fostering growth in the country’s green industries and reducing exposure to volatile global gas prices.

    Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps said:

    Putin’s barbaric action against Ukraine made clear our need to do whatever it takes to bolster our energy security.

    Today’s funding through our flagship Contracts for Difference scheme – the lifeblood of our renewables industry for nearly a decade – will help grow our economy by making Britain the first choice for investors in renewable energy projects and secure skilled jobs for future generations.

    This will be the case for established technologies like solar, and new innovations like floating offshore wind and, alongside our backing for oil and gas, carbon capture and our revival in nuclear, will ensure we can help power more of Britain from Britain for decades to come.

    Today’s new funding for the current round (AR5) will mean:

    • an increased budget for established technologies such as solar and offshore wind – from £170 million to £190 million
    • an increase in the budget for emerging technologies such as floating offshore wind – up from £35 million to £37 million
    • maintaining £10 million ring-fenced budget for tidal stream projects

    This funding boost is expected to send a powerful signal to the industry, increasing developer confidence in the sector every year and enhancing the UK’s reputation as among the most attractive places to invest and grow the economy, with nearly 25,000 jobs directly supported by renewable electricity sectors in 2021.

    Today’s increase comes as Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden visits Able Seaton Port to announce the installation of the first of over 2 hundred 260m tall wind turbines is installed at Dogger Bank – becoming the world’s largest offshore windfarm. A specialised floating platform, taller than the Eiffel Tower, has been created to install the wind turbines onto the seabed.

    When complete, the 277 turbines, which include British steel manufactured in Wales and processed in Corby and Hartlepool, will be capable of powering the equivalent of up to 6 million homes annually. Dogger Bank is being built in 3 phases – Dogger Bank A, B and C – by renewables developers SSE Renewables, Equinor and Vargronn.

    This comes as the register revealing the most serious risks to the United Kingdom, the National Risk Register, is published today as part of government plans to better prepare the public and businesses for the threats facing the country, including to energy security.

    Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden said:

    Today we’ve published the latest National Risk Register, showing the many challenges we face to keep Britain safe in an uncertain world – like the risk of disruption to global energy supplies.

    Backing British renewables will tackle that risk and undermine Putin’s energy ransom. Which is why I’m with SSE in Hartlepool today as we install the first wind turbine at the new Dogger Bank offshore wind farm, generating cheap, clean energy to power millions of British homes.

    This latest financial backing will help to replace expensive imported fossil fuels with cheaper, cleaner, domestic sources of energy. Building a more secure energy future with thriving green industries will have the knock-on effect of helping to grow the UK’s economy and create jobs across the country, with billions of pounds in private investment.

    The Contracts for Difference scheme has already helped accelerate plans to diversify, decarbonise and domesticate the UK’s energy supplies, with the last round (AR4) securing around 11GW of low carbon capacity – enough to generate sufficient electricity to power 12 million British homes through nearly 100 clean technology projects.

    The scheme supports the deployment of renewable power right across Britain, with the scheme so far having awarded contracts to 52 projects in Scotland, which represents around 30% of all CfD projects. In Wales, the scheme has so far awarded contracts to 9 projects, totalling around 260MW of capacity.

    Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Graham Stuart said:

    Our successful, world-leading scheme has accelerated the roll-out of renewable, homegrown energy.

    Today’s increase will improve energy security and maximise the potential of the scheme. This will result in investment, a stronger renewables sector and growth to our economy.

    Neil McDermott, CEO of the Low Carbon Contracts Company (LCCC), said:

    The £22 million boost to the Contracts for Difference (CfD) Allocation Round 5 reaffirms the government’s commitment towards transforming Britain into a global leader in renewable energy. Contracts for Difference plays a crucial role in enhancing energy security, driving economic prosperity and propelling us towards a more sustainable future.  LCCC currently manages a portfolio of 167 CfDs, and is excited to deliver AR5, furthering our vision to accelerate the delivery of net zero.

    Claire Dykta, Head of Markets for the National Grid Electricity System Operator, said:

    Following our evaluation of qualifying projects we welcome the Secretary of State’s decision to revise the budget for Allocation Round 5.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Industry and government agree to seize the “immense opportunities ahead” as Britain builds a world-leading energy sector [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Industry and government agree to seize the “immense opportunities ahead” as Britain builds a world-leading energy sector [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 2 August 2023.

    Energy firms met today with Secretary of State Grant Shapps during Energy Week to strengthen the UK’s plans for energy security and economic growth.

    Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps today hailed the “immense opportunities” available for companies and communities as the UK continues to invest in renewable and other clean technologies and strengthen national energy security.

    At an industry roundtable in Downing Street today (Wednesday 2 August) energy firms across renewables, oil and gas and nuclear all outlined projects worth as much as up to £100 billion, to be built across the UK over the next decade.

    Government and industry also agreed on the importance of working together across the entire energy sector to:

    • boost the UK’s competitiveness and investment into home-grown clean energy
    • create and safeguard jobs across the country
    • reduce energy bills for consumers and households
    • make progress towards net zero

    The Secretary of State also outlined the government’s new powers to protect UK energy supplies.

    Speaking after the event Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps said:

    We stand at a crucial point in the UK’s energy history: achieving our goals depends on continued close collaboration with the leaders in the industry.

    This was the shared consensus at today’s industry roundtable, which I had the privilege of convening, where we discussed the path to strengthen the UK’s energy security and boost economic growth.

    The consensus among energy firms was clear – there are immense opportunities ahead and these can only be seized if the UK government, industry and regulators work together across the sector to accelerate investment into renewables, bring down bills and deliver on net zero.

    The investment projects discussed today will not only of safeguard hundreds of thousands of skilled jobs across the country but ensure a resilient and sustainable energy future for the Britain.

    Attendee comments

    Keith Anderson, CEO, ScottishPower said:

    We welcomed the opportunity to hear the Secretary of State’s continued commitment to the UK’s world leading position on tackling climate change and delivering net zero, while growing the economy.  As one of the biggest renewables and electricity network investors, ScottishPower is helping drive that growth, creating over 1,000 job in 12 months alone and we look forward to continuing that for decades to come.

    Tom Glover, RWE’s UK Country Chair said of today’s meeting:

    With an ambition to invest up to £15 billion in the UK electricity market by 2030, it was good to discuss the issues facing the industry at the roundtable today with Grant Shapps, the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, and very reassuring to hear him emphasise the government’s commitment to net zero targets and the UK’s carbon budgets.

    We emphasised the need for more and regular engagement between government and industry, the continued commitment to net zero and the requirement for interim targets for the electricity sector. We also welcomed the announcement of the latest Track 2 CCS transport and storage projects, and encouraged the government to go further and faster with other CCS projects and CO2 shipping around the UK.

    David Whitehouse, Offshore Energies UK said:

    I welcomed the opportunity to represent Offshore Energies UK’s membership of over 400 firms at Number 10 today. These companies’ investments in innovative projects across the sector, from oil and gas to offshore wind, carbon capture and hydrogen are the key getting to net zero and beyond.

    Today’s energy summit re-iterated the UK’s commitment to achieving net zero, and recognised the key role that domestic oil and gas production and carbon capture and storage will play in that journey. Through ongoing collaboration and pragmatic policy, I am convinced that the UK can unlock the private investment necessary for an energy future that provides security, affordability, creates highly skilled jobs, and tackles climate change. The offshore energy sector’s proven track record over the last 5 decades shows what we can achieve when working collaboratively.

    Jon Butterworth, CEO of National Gas, said:

    Gas is at the heart of the UK’s energy security. There were 260 days in 2022 where gas provided over 30% of the nation’s electricity, ensuring the lights were kept on, whilst also keeping our citizens warm and industries fuelled – protecting thousands of jobs and half a million businesses. We welcomed today’s discussion with the Secretary of State and industry leaders, and we will continue to work with the government to strengthen the resilience of our energy sector.

    Emma Pinchbeck, CEO Energy UK, said:

    Our industry’s united view is that achieving net zero and energy security go hand in hand, and we welcome the Secretary of State’s renewed commitment to that.

    The best and quickest way to tackle those challenges, and keep bills affordable for customers, is to rapidly expand our own sources of cheap, clean power alongside reducing demand. Making more homes energy efficient is a no-brainer, and the potential that greater flexibility offers for consumers and the wider energy system will bring down costs for us all. We also need to focus on the immediate issue of support for those customers facing a struggle this winter to afford energy bills that remain much higher than 18 months ago.

    Enabling all this means having the right environment to attract the necessary investment in face of increasing global competition, developing supply chains and workforce skills and tackling issues around the planning system and grid connections that can hold up the rapid progress we all want to see. Our industry is fully committed to working with government to address all these because we all see the huge opportunities on offer for our economy, our environment and our customers.

    Ruth Herbert, Chief Executive of the Carbon Capture and Storage Association, said:

    Today’s meeting was an important opportunity to discuss with energy industry partners how we can collectively deliver secure, affordable, decarbonised energy, with CCUS critical to achieving this and driving future economic growth.

    We welcome the government’s CCUS announcements this week, which deliver momentum to the industry and a decarbonisation pathway to two important industrial regions. But we still need clarity on the timeline of support if we are to successfully store 20-30Mt of CO2 by 2030 in line with government’s net zero ambitions, and ensure we are not left behind by international rivals.

    Carbon capture is an essential part of the toolkit for the UK to reach its climate targets. It will decarbonise gas-generated electricity, which will enable more renewables on the system, and it will reduce emissions from critical industries such as steel and cement to continue to support tens of thousands of jobs and ensure domestic supply chain security.

    Dr Tony Ballance, Chief Strategy & Regulation Officer from Cadent said:

    I was pleased to represent Cadent, the largest gas distribution company at the Energy Summit today. It was good to hear first-hand from the Secretary of State about the Government’s plans for delivering future energy resilience and achieving net zero.

    I am pleased we were able to highlight the importance of hydrogen, and the need for a whole systems approach, in delivering these vital ambitions for the UK.

    David Bunch, Country Chair, Shell UK said:

    This was a productive meeting. Shell UK has already set out significant investment ambitions to support the country’s energy security and transition to a low-carbon energy system. The conditions for these investments are crucially dependent on fiscal stability, clarity of business models and ensuring shareholder value.

    RenewableUK’s Executive Director of Policy Ana Musat said:

    At a time when energy security, affordability and decarbonisation remain high on everyone’s agenda, the renewable energy sector welcomed the opportunity to meet with the Secretary of State to discuss the opportunities and challenges we face. There was widespread agreement of the need to improve the UK’s investment environment, as we’re facing very challenging economic conditions and strong international competition for supply chain, skills and investment.

    We are all aware that prioritising the roll-out of cheap, homegrown renewable energy projects is essential to strengthen Britain’s energy security. Wind and solar generate power cheaper than any other new energy source, so the government can improve investor confidence in this space by ensuring that the Contracts for Difference framework takes account of the economic pressures faced by the sector.

    In addition, we highlighted the need to ensure a consistent pipeline of renewable energy projects so that we can maximise the opportunities of supply chain investment in areas where the UK has a competitive advantage, such as floating wind, cables and blades. This will enable us to create more high quality well paid jobs, especially in coastal communities outside London and the south east – offshore wind alone is set to employ over 100,000 people by 2030. Every opinion poll shows strong public support for moving faster on renewables, so it’s essential that the government’s energy security strategy is centred on developing this sector.

    Linda Z Cook, CEO of Harbour Energy said:

    The North Sea oil and gas sector plays a critical role in UK domestic energy security. The sector is also leading the way with CCS which will enable the decarbonization of the power sector and other industrial sites and deliver the government’s target of capturing and storing 30 mtpa of CO2 by 2030.

    Earlier this week we saw Harbour’s CCS projects – Viking in the Humber and Acorn in northeast Scotland – both successfully awarded Track 2 status under the government’s carbon capture programme, evidence of how the existing skills, experience and infrastructure of those currently operating in the North Sea are going to be critical in the development of this new UK industry.

    However, in order to have the confidence we need to continue investing in these long-term, large-scale projects, we need a stable and sensible fiscal environment – and today’s meeting was an important opportunity to discuss that.

    Paul Spence, Director of Strategy and Corporate Affairs, EDF said:

    Improving energy efficiency, moving to electric vehicles and heat pumps, and investing in more low carbon wind, nuclear and solar electricity doesn’t just help the climate, it protects homes and businesses from global price spikes and ensures Britain has the power it needs. We want to accelerate delivery on all fronts.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Economic growth and energy security on the agenda as Shapps convenes Downing Street energy summit [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Economic growth and energy security on the agenda as Shapps convenes Downing Street energy summit [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 2 August 2023.

    Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps meets with energy industry leaders in Downing Street.

    • Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps meets with industry leaders to discuss the government’s energy security and business plans to invest over £100 billion, including to accelerate renewables, to help grow our economy
    • discussions include new powers to protect critical energy infrastructure from disruptive protest groups and maintain energy supply
    • summit hosted at No 10 Downing Street as part of government push to strengthen energy security, support jobs and attract investment in the UK’s energy industry

    Leaders of the UK’s energy industry will meet in Downing Street today to discuss their plans to collectively invest over £100 billion and create jobs around the country, working with government to boost energy security.

    Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps will meet a wide range of energy companies – including EDF, SSE, Shell and bp, who collectively have multi-billion pound plans to invest in low and zero-carbon projects. Each of these will support thousands of jobs across the country, which could help reduce household energy bills while delivering cleaner, more secure sources of energy, to deliver on the ambition to have the lowest wholesale electricity prices in Europe by 2035.

    Mr Shapps will outline government measures to protect UK energy supplies from disruption both at home and abroad. He will highlight decisions to invest in home-grown energy sources – including renewables, a revival in nuclear power, and backing North Sea oil and gas.

    But he will also highlight measures to protect critical energy infrastructure from disruptive protests. This follows in the wake of protests such as those at the Kingsbury and Thurrock clusters of oil terminals and Grangemouth refinery.

    The Public Order Act now includes a new criminal offence of interfering with key national infrastructure – including oil refineries – aimed at preventing protests from causing or threatening public safety or serious disruption. It particularly addresses tactics that these protesters have used such as locking on and tunneling.

    Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps said:

    We need to send the message loud and clear to the likes of Putin that we will never again be held to ransom with energy supply.  The companies I am meeting in Downing Street today will be at the heart of that.

    Energy industry leaders can see that this government will back home-grown, secure energy – whether that’s renewables, our revival in nuclear, or our support for our vital oil and gas industry in the North Sea.

    But it is a sad reality that we also need to protect our critical national infrastructure from disruptive protests.  Today I’ll be setting out what we are doing to achieve this and want to hear from the energy companies the vital work they are doing in this area.

    Energy firms have demonstrated their confidence to invest in the UK, and collectively the firms meeting at 10 Downing Street plan to invest tens of billions over the next decade in energy projects across the country. Some of these investment commitments include:

    • Shell UK aims to invest £20-25 billion in the UK energy system over the next 10 years. More than 75% of this is intended for low and zero-carbon products and services
    • bp intends to invest up to £18 billion in the UK’s energy system by the end of 2030
    • SSE plc have announced plans to invest £18 billion up to 2027 in low carbon infrastructure creating 1,000 new jobs every year to 2025. SSE’s plans could see it invest up to £40 billion across the decade to 2031-2032
    • National Grid plc will be investing over £16 billion in the 5-year period to 2026
    • EDF have outlined plans to invest £13 billion to 2025
    • RWE have an ambition to invest up to £15 billion in clean energy infrastructure in the UK by 2030
    • ScottishPower plan to invest £11 billion up to 2028 in critical green energy security infrastructure creating 1,000 jobs this year alone

    To provide greater reassurance and support to industry, the Energy Security Secretary will outline the range of measures the government is taking to protect energy infrastructure from intentional disruption, as well as maintaining the network’s strong resilience. This includes:

    • The Public Order Act, with specific powers coming into effect in July to protect critical infrastructure
    • working with the police to ensure protestors cannot gain unauthorised access to sites
    • the work of the Civil Nuclear Constabulary, whose 1,300 officers and 300 support staff operate to protect nuclear sites across England, Scotland and Wales

    The Energy Security Secretary will also discuss progress on major UK energy investment projects across renewable projects, oil and gas, new nuclear, and new technologies such as carbon capture.

    They include:

    • carbon capture – earlier this week, the Prime Minister announced 2 further projects in Humber and the North East of Scotland, which can move towards becoming clusters for this new technology – alongside 8 already being considered, and 2 existing clusters in the North East, and in the North West and Wales
    • oil and gas – the Prime Minister has also confirmed future licensing rounds will continue for the extraction of oil and gas in the North Sea – while the North Sea Transition Authority reports they have received over 115 bids from 76 companies in the latest licensing round
    • nuclear – companies can now register their interest with the UK’s new organisation, Great British Nuclear, to secure funding support to develop new technologies including Small Modular Reactors
    • offshore wind – the UK has the world’s largest operational wind farms off its shores, with plans for further development off the East Anglia Coast and at Dogger Bank in the North East which could collectively provide enough clean energy for over 6.5 million homes
  • PRESS RELEASE : Energy security push to boost economic growth [July 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Energy security push to boost economic growth [July 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 30 July 2023.

    Government to announce measures putting energy security at the heart of economic growth.

    • Prime Minister and Energy Security Secretary to lead efforts this week to strengthen UK’s energy independence
    • They will meet industry leaders from oil, gas and renewable sectors – to drive forward measures that safeguard national energy security and reduce reliance on hostile states
    • Builds on years of critical support for North Sea oil and gas, the UK’s world-leading track record on renewables and our international leadership against Putin’s invasion of Ukraine

    The Government will this week set out how it’s delivering on its energy security strategy plans to grow the economy and create jobs across the United Kingdom.

    Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will set out how the UK’s world-leading energy industry expertise will create jobs and grow the economy and ensure tyrants like Putin can never again use energy as a weapon to blackmail the UK.

    As part of the Government’s efforts to strengthen the UK’s energy independence, he will announce investment plans to put powering up Britain from Britain first – making the most of our country’s resources and reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels, by backing our oil and gas industry, investing in the latest clean technologies and isolating Putin’s regime from global energy markets.

    The Prime Minister and Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps will meet energy industry leaders throughout the week – including oil and gas, renewables and nuclear businesses – to ensure the UK is capitalising on opportunities to bolster our energy infrastructure now, and boosting our long-term energy independence, security and prosperity in the years to come.

    The week will also include support for British innovation in new industries such as carbon capture and storage, and for cutting edge renewables across the country.

    Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps said:

    Energy security is national security. Since Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine the Government has driven Russia from our energy market, paid around half of a typical family’s energy bill and grown our economy by driving forward major energy projects.

    This week we will go even further. Forging ahead with critical measures to power up Britain from Britain – including supporting our invaluable oil and gas industry, making the most of our home-grown energy sources and backing British innovation in renewables.

    And across Government we will champion Britain’s businesses to deliver on the Prime Minister’s priority of growing the economy – helping them to create new jobs and even whole new industries across the UK.

    This week’s announcements will build on the country’s world-leading track record which includes:

    • Supporting North Sea oil and gas, which each year contributes £17billion to the UK economy
    • Investing billions of pounds in renewable energy – leading to the UK having the world’s four largest operational wind farms off its shores;
    • Cutting emissions by 48 per cent between 1990 and 2021, while growing the economy by 65 per cent over the same period;
    • Having 41.5 per cent of the UK’s electricity come from renewable sources in 2022 – up from 6.7 per cent in 2010; and
    • Leading the world in the response to Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and driving Russia out of our energy market for good – enabling the UK to go over a year without Russian oil or gas.