• The REA is delighted that the Energy Act 2023 has received Royal Assent today;
• This landmark legislation will transform the UK’s energy system by strengthening energy security, supporting the delivery of net zero and helping make household bills more affordable in the long-term;
• REA looks forward to working alongside government to accelerate renewable energy deployment and help deliver UK net zero commitments.

The REA (Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology) has welcomed the Energy Act 2023 achieving Royal Assent and becoming law today, laying the foundations for an energy system fit for the future.

The Energy Act 2023 includes:

• The legal establishment of the Future Systems Operator for more joined up strategic energy systems planning;
• The applying of a Net Zero Mandate to Ofgem’s remit;
• The regulation of heat networks;
• Powers to the Secretary of State to enable government supported business models for Hydrogen production and Bioenergy Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS).

Together with our members and cross industry collaboration, the REA has long called for this to come to fruition, alongside the industry and other member bodies.

We hope the measures contained in the Act will encourage flow through to more supportive net zero decisions in the energy system, including addressing key current barriers around grid connections and usage.

Frank Gordon, Director of Policy at the REA (Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology) said:

“While there is much more to be done, The Energy Act 2023 is major piece of enabling legislation for our sector and the REA warmly welcomes today’s confirmation as law. Our congratulations to the teams in DESNZ and Parliament. The Act provides certainty for investors in both hydrogen and bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) – both technologies identified by the Climate Change Committee (CCC) as critical to reaching Net Zero.

“The REA and industry partners collectively called for this Bill to be reintroduced since last summer when its progress through parliament was delayed by the political uncertainty in Westminster. This previous stalled legislation stifled investment and certainty; therefore the Bill receiving Royal Assent is indeed great news for the sector.

“While we know that the entire energy transition still faces significant challenges which are currently delaying the roll out of low carbon technologies across all sectors, today’s news will be a catalyst for much needed action.

“We look forward to working alongside government in the coming months to help ensure energy is affordable for households and businesses and to make the UK more energy independent in the long-term.”

—ENDS—