• The REA cautiously welcomes the creation of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero;  
• Government must now prioritise collaboration, urgency and certainty, if the new department is to deliver on its goals;
• Recognition of both the climate and energy crises welcome, and the REA look forward to working alongside this department to rapidly scale up renewable energy and clean technology investment and deployment.

The Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA) has cautiously welcomed today’s creation of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, as the former Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Department has been split during a reshuffle, a promise made by Rishi Sunak during his 2022 conservative leadership campaign.

The new department has been formed with the mission to “secure our long-term energy supply, bring down bills and half inflation”. The REA, our members, and the renewable energy and clean technology sector as a whole stand ready to work alongside government to help with the efficient delivery of this mission.

However, a reshuffle often risks unnecessary delays while the new departments finalise their strategy, and reaching Net Zero must not be held up any longer.

The REA urges the Government to adopt the recommendations of Chris Skidmore MP’s Net Zero Report “Mission Zero,” to hit the ground running, and recommend that new Secretary of State the Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP sets up the office for Net Zero Delivery with an urgent focus on a swift delivery.

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

“An energy department with a focus on Net Zero is welcome, as long as the Government now hits the ground running and avoids the usual delays while new departments are established.

“Decision making in the sector has already been woefully delayed over the last few years, and a joined-up approach across these new departments is essential, as well as implementing the recommendations from Chris Skidmore’s Net Zero Report “Mission Zero”, which clearly stated that “Net Zero is the largest growth opportunity of the 21st century.”

“The REA looks forward to working closely with the new departments to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy and clean technology, tackling the joint energy and climate crises.”

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