ICE submission to the Public Accounts Committee on decarbonising the power sector

This response examines the UK government’s vision for a decarbonised power sector, its understanding of what's required to achieve it, and how it's managing risks to resilience and affordability.

It makes the following key points:

• The UK needs a blended approach to decarbonised energy generation.
• There's no trade-off between economic growth and decarbonisation. The energy crisis is an opportunity to pivot away from fossil fuels towards cheaper renewables.
• Infrastructure is key to unlocking net zero. However, to achieve the pace and scale of change needed, we need to build as much low carbon energy infrastructure as we can faster than ever.
• There also needs to be a much stronger emphasis on demand reduction and energy efficiency.
• For the most part, the funding and financing mechanisms required to support infrastructure’s transition to net zero already exist. The key will be adapting and iterating them.
• The UK’s lack of a formal system of governance or guidance for translating high-level targets into detailed policies and delivery plans has impeded progress towards net zero.
• A systems approach is essential for considering how all aspects are connected in implementing the Net Zero Strategy and to manage the growing risks from climate change.

The response was informed by experts on the ICE’s Decarbonisation and Low Carbon Energy Community Advisory Boards