Following the government's announcement of some of the content of the new Energy Bill, ICE Director General Nick Baveystock commented that while progress in some areas is welcome, the Bill should commit to a clear 2030 decarbonisation target.
The target, which would see the emissions of UK power stations limited by 2030, will now be set in 2016.
In his full statement, Nick Baveystock commented that:
“The announcement on the long awaited Energy Bill is a welcome development, and provides some desperately needed clarity over the rules of the Electricity Market Reform and the steps that could help the UK progress towards a low-carbon generation.
“It is disappointing, however, that a clear 2030 decarbonisation target is missing. Committing to a consistent target to almost completely decarbonise electricity by 2030, would play a critical role in building certainty and confidence for both potential investors and industry. It would also help to enable a shift in public attitudes. If Government is serious about showing its commitment to a low carbon economy, it should set the target at the earliest opportunity.
“It is also important to remember that this Bill is just one milestone in a long process – there is still some way to go until a proper framework is established and there are many significant details that must still be revealed and agreed.”
ICE published its recommendations for securing a decarbonised energy supply by 2030 earlier this month.