• The REA notes the Government’s re-commitments to previous energy package announcements as part of Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng’s ‘mini-budget’ announcement;
• Welcome measures include moves to do more on energy efficiency through the Energy Company Obligation, and short term energy bill support for households and businesses;
• The REA, however, continues to repeat its calls for the Government to look beyond this winter to help deliver real solutions to the energy crisis.

The Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA) has responded to today’s ‘mini-budget’, in which Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng outlined energy bill support, with the potential opening up of planning permission for onshore wind projects and energy efficiency investment also included in associated documentation.

The announcement reiterates three previously announced steps to mitigate the energy crisis; the Energy Price Guarantee, the Energy Bill Relief Scheme and the Energy Markets Financing Scheme (EMFS). While these are welcome interventions, the REA has long called for more medium and long term solutions to the ongoing energy crisis.

The ‘mini-budget’ also outlines plans for more than 40 new investment zones in England, in areas including the West Midlands, the Tees Valley and Somerset. These zones will be allowed to relax planning rules and reduce business taxes to encourage investment, and the REA highlights that renewables will be one of the best fits for these zones in the path to delivering a modern sustainable economy.

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

“The REA notes today’s re-commitments to the Government’s previous energy package announcements, including moves to do more on energy efficiency through the Energy Company Obligation.

“Much of the innovation and growth promoted by this statement would be expedited if the Government passes the Energy Bill, which would open up opportunities for investment in areas such as energy efficiency, carbon capture, heat networks, hydrogen and further clean technologies – all of which would deliver sizable benefits to new investment zones.

“The REA reiterates its statement that renewables are the cheapest form of generation and best route to delivering energy security, providing long term relief from the ongoing energy crisis.”

—ENDS—

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Notes to editors

About the Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA): The Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (known as the REA) is the UK’s largest trade association for renewable energy and clean technologies with around 550 members operating across heat, transport, power and the circular economy. The REA is a not-for-profit organisation representing fourteen sectors, ranging from biogas and renewable fuels to solar and electric vehicle charging. Membership ranges from major multinationals to sole traders. For more information, visit: www.r-e-a.net