The UK Government recently published an 'Energy White Paper' setting out their plans to deliver Net Zero in the coming years. Going through the list of commitments they are making, we must check and challenge the Government on this journey. It isn't enough to make promises for action and then fail to deliver. We must hold them to account. Below is a summary of the actions they have committed to:
‘In December 2020 an interim report will be published on how the transition to net zero would be funded and where the costs would fall.’
‘In December 2020 construction is starting on the UKs first mine energy district heating system at Seaham, Durham.’
‘Before the end of 2020 we aim to lay a new strategy for the Oil and Gas Authority to bolster the regulator’s ability to focus the sector on helping deliver net zero emissions.’
‘In early 2021 we will consult on reforms to ensure consumers are provided with more transparent and accurate information on carbon content when choosing energy services and products.’
‘In early 2021 we will consult over proposals to update the requirements for conversion of thermal plants to low-carbon alternatives to reflect technological advances and remove the 300MW threshold.’
‘In early 2021 we will respond to the consultation on increased standards for non-domestic buildings towards high levels of efficiency and low-carbon heating.’
‘In early 2021 we will consult over new regulations to phase out fossil fuels in off-grid homes, businesses and public buildings with a back-stop date.’
‘In early 2021 we will publish a dedicated Hydrogen Strategy for reducing emissions in heavy industry and in power, heat and transport.’
‘In February 2021 a consultation will close on the implementation of a policy to end support for the fossil fuel sector overseas.’
‘By March 2021 we will have consulted on how a framework to introduce opt-in energy switching for domestic fuel bills and how it should be designed, tested and scaled up.’
‘By March 2021 we will consult on how opt-out switching could be tested as part of reforms.’
‘In March 2021 a Smart Tariff Comparison Tool proof of concept will be free for anyone to use.’
‘In early 2021 we will publish a dedicated Heat and Buildings Strategy including policy levers to encourage consumers and businesses to transition to low-carbon heat.’
‘In early 2021 we will consult on a scheme for a performance-based rating scheme for large commercial and industrial buildings to reduce carbon emissions.’
‘In early 2021 we will publish a government response to the green gas (biomethane/hydrogen) levy design’.
‘In early 2021 we will publish our updated Fuel Poverty Strategy for England.’
‘By April 2021 we will publish a call for evidence on affordability and fairness (for energy).’
‘In Spring 2021 an Energy Data Strategy will be set out by the independent Energy Data Taskforce in partnership with Ofgem.’
‘In Spring 2021 we will publish consultation on how local heat network zoning can be effectively integrated with local area planning.’
‘In Spring 2021 we will publish a Smart Systems Plan jointly with Ofgem to define electricity storage in law.’
‘In Spring 2021 we will launch a world-class energy-related products policy for energy-saving appliances and products.’
‘By Spring 2021 we will consult on regulating third parties such as energy brokers and comparison websites.’
‘In Spring 2021 we will publish and Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy as to how the government will support the decarbonisation of manufacturing industry.’
‘From Spring 2021 through the Net Zero Innovation Portfolio, we will have delivered a major competition to accelerate the commercialisation of longer duration energy storage.’
‘In the first half of 2021 we will agree a North Sea Transition Deal with the industry to provide support for the people and communities.’
‘In July 2021 a new smart meter obligation on suppliers will start.’
‘In 2020/2021 £50m will be spent to kick-start delivery of a piloting retrofit programme of social rented homes towards high efficiency.’
‘Starting in 2021 we will work with network operators, suppliers and consumer groups on the future of gas as we transition to a clean energy system.’
‘By Summer 2021 a prototype of a service to create a national energy data catalogue to make date more visible and easy to access will be launched.’
‘In Summer 2021 the Hy4Heat programme is due to conclude for hydrogen-ready boilers in preparation for future conversion of the network.’
‘In Autumn 2021 we expect the Green Gas Support Scheme to launch to increase the proportion of green gas in the grid.’
‘In November 2021, through our presidency of COP26 we will drive further ambitious action on climate change and unite the world on a path to a net zero economy.’
‘In 2021 we will bring forward details of a revenue mechanism to bring through private sector investment into industrial carbon capture and hydrogen projects.’
‘In 2021 we will consult on options to create a long-term regulator framework to improve the energy efficiency of homes.’
‘In 2021 we will consult on the role of ‘hydrogen-ready’ appliances.’
‘In 2021 we will consult on strengthening the Energy Saving sand Opportunity Scheme which audits business buildings, process and transport for energy use.’
‘In 2021 we will consult over organisational functions of the institutional arrangements governing energy systems including system operation and energy code governance.’
‘In 2021 we will launch a strategy for upskilling through the ‘Green Jobs Taskforce’ and National Skills Fund for net zero skills across a range of sectors to support high quality green jobs.’
‘In 2021 we will publish a government response to the Clean Heat Grant due to launch in 2022 as a successor to the domestic Renewable Heat Incentive.’
‘In 2021 we will bring forward details of a revenue mechanism for private sector investment into industrial carbon capture and hydrogen projects via our new business models.’
‘In 2021 we are committed to providing a delivery plan to realise the phase-out of new cars and vans with significant tailpipe emissions.’
‘Throughout 2021 we will engage with industry and consumer groups on what market framework changes may be required to facilitate the development and uptake of innovative tariffs for consumers towards net zero.’
‘In 2021/2022 we will invest £120m to start the delivery of 4,000 zero-emission busses.’
‘By Summer 2021 a preliminary position paper will be published on ‘Biomass for net zero.’
‘In Summer 2021 Sir Peter Hendy will publish final recommendations on the quality and availability of transport infrastructure.’
‘By October 2022, through the Environment Bill, we are placing on a legal footing binding environmental targets on air quality, biodiversity, water and resource efficiency.’
‘By the end of 2021 we will complete a review of existing National Policy Statements (NPS) and updating them.’
‘By 2022 we will establish the role which BECCS (Bioenergy with carbon capture) can play in reducing carbon emissions and how it can be deployed.’
‘By 2022 we aim to finalise a new commercial framework for carbon capture in industrial sectors.’
‘By 2022 all policies in the plan ‘Smart Systems and Flexibility Plan’ will have been implemented.’
‘By 2022 we will introduce a new commercial framework for clean hydrogen production.’
‘’In 2022 a new Biomass Strategy will be published.’
‘From 2022 we will extend the Warm Home Discount to £475m per year.’
A long list of actions, actions that are important whether or not we agree with the priority or urgency of each one. Actions speak loudest and we need to see each and every one of these actions delivered when they say they will be delivered.