Department of Energy and Climate Change
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Government responds to committee on climate change and delivers record investment in energy infrastructure by 2020
The UK is on track to reduce emissions by 34% by 2020 as a result of Government reforms to move to a low-carbon economy.
The UK is on track to reduce emissions by 34% by 2020 as a result of Government reforms to move to a low-carbon economy. Secretary of State, Edward Davey, set out the Government’s assessment of progress made in reducing emissions across each sector of the economy, and formally responds to each of the Committee on Climate Change’s recommendations.
The UK is the first country in the world to provide investors with certainty over funding levels for low-carbon generation through to 2021, and Government published for consultation details of how its reforms to the electricity market will be implemented.
This will bring on new low-carbon forms of power generation including from renewables, new nuclear and gas and will make a major contribution to meeting carbon budgets. Record levels of investment have already been made by the private sector in new energy infrastructure with an estimated £35 billion invested since 2010, and it is estimated that a further £110bn is needed between now and 2020.
Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Edward Davey said:
“We’ve already had record amounts of planned investment in the energy sector and today we have given further confidence to the industry of the support available from Government for new energy infrastructure out to 2021. This could support 250,000 jobs in the energy sector.
“Our latest projections show that we are on track to meet our first three carbon budgets, but we recognise the scale of the challenge that we face in delivering further emissions reductions and meeting the target of the fourth carbon budget. We agree that we need to increase the rate of decarbonisation which is why we are taking action in a number of areas across the economy.”
Government today set out actions it is taking in a number of areas to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This includes:
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Reforming our electricity market to attract investment in low carbon electricity generation while maintaining security of supply and minimising consumer bills.
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Encouraging the uptake of energy efficiency measures through the Green Deal and Energy Company Obligation, and providing more support to fuel poor households.
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Building a market for renewable heat through the Renewable Heat Incentive
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Publishing an energy efficiency strategy and announcing a £250 million Energy Intensive Industries package to ensure that UK companies can remain competitive during the shift to a low carbon economy.
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Committing over £500 million to support the switch to the latest Ultra Low Emission Vehicle technology and £37 million of funding for plug-in vehicle charging infrastructure across the UK.
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Continuing to push for the EU to raise its ambition by moving to a tighter 2020 emissions target.
Notes for Editors:
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The Electricity Market Reform Consultation sets out our detailed proposals for implementation and provides the necessary information for developers and investors
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Response to the Committee on Climate Change Report:
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DECC yesterday published advertisements to appoint a Chair and Senior Independent Director to the Contracts For Difference (CFD) counterparty company and the Capacity Market settlement body. Information on the public appointments to the CFD counterparty and Capacity Market settlement body is available at www.odgers.com/44231 and www.odgers.com/44823.
