• The REA welcomes the CCC’s 2023 report to Parliament on progress in reducing emissions;  
• This report reiterates the need for a wide range of renewable and low carbon technologies, calling on government to radically increase deployment of already commercial decarbonisation technologies across power, heat and transport and the circular economy;
• The UK is behind on the level of progress needed to meet net zero, and the Government must now take action without further delay.

The REA (Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology) has welcomed the Climate Change Committee (CCC)’s report to Parliament on progress in reducing emissions. The report emphasises that better transparency and ambitious targets are no substitute for real delivery.

The CCC progress report reiterates the urgent need for a wide range of renewable and low carbon technologies, calling on government to radically increase deployment of already commercial decarbonisation technologies across power, heat and transport and the circular economy, while also urgently pushing ahead on delivering strategically important technologies like BECCS and Hydrogen.

Echoing statements in the report, the REA recognises that glimmers of the Net Zero transition can be seen in growing sales of new electric cars and the continued deployment of renewable capacity, however, the scale up of action overall is worryingly slow.

This includes areas such as the slow uptake in electric van sales, which can be combatted through building charging infrastructure suitable for vans or providing incentives to purchase them.

In addition, the REA reiterates calls on government to implement the Resources and Waste sector reforms to ensure we are making the best use of our resources, contributing to Net Zero and producing valuable products to help protect our soils and decarbonise agriculture.

Dr Nina Skorupska CBE, Chief Executive of the REA (Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology) said:

“As is highlighted in the CCC’s report, the UK has indeed sent confusing signals on its climate priorities to the global community. We agree with the CCC’s criticism of Government in the recent months of prioritising new fossil fuel exploration, while other advanced countries are providing renewed fiscal support and legislation to advance the energy transition, such as the EU Green Deal Package and the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act.

“It is clear that government should now use the upcoming Autumn Statement to respond to this report by delivering real polices designed to deliver against the Governments own power, heat, transport and circular economy targets. The budget must respond to significant policy gaps that remain and focus on creating an attractive market for low carbon investment.”

“The targets are there, but government must now crack on with delivery.”

—ENDS—