• Encouraging to see green energy related legislation being included in this Parliamentary session. 

• Measures to change planning reform are crucial, and funding mechanisms for renewable energy projects welcome, to attract investment, create jobs and grow the economy. 

• Important that Government supports the right technologies and works with the private sector to deliver clean, secure and affordable energy. 

The REA (Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology) has welcomed the Government’s legislative plans for this Parliament, as set out today in the King’s Speech.  

A Great British Energy Bill will establish GB Energy; a Sustainable Aviation Fuel Bill will support production and route to market; an English Devolution Bill will give more powers to local government over energy projects; a Planning and Infrastructure Bill will streamline the process for critical infrastructure; a Skills England Bill will launch a new partnership with businesses, providers, unions, local and national government; the National Wealth Fund Bill will invest in green industries to attract private sector investment. 

Whilst this legislation is welcome, Government must work together with the private sector to ensure alignment. As our members have repeatedly highlighted, investment vehicles such as GB Energy and the National Wealth Fund must focus on addressing market inefficiencies and removing obstacles to private sector investment in new technologies and business models. It is crucial to collaborate with the private sector rather than compete against it. 

Trevor Hutchings, CEO of the REA (Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology), said: 

“The REA welcomes the King’s Speech and the commitments made to pursue net zero and the clean energy transition. These proposals, following the flurry of activity we have seen since the new Government has taken office, mark a welcome step-change from what the sector has seen in recent years. Net zero and the clean energy transition are the economic opportunity of the 21st Century, delivering jobs, secure and affordable energy and helping to address climate change. It is essential that the government now doubles down to deliver on this agenda. 

We await to see the finer details behind these proposals, as well as some areas that the King’s Speech did not cover. For example, the growing need to address electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and measures to promote the circular bioeconomy, as outlined in the REA’s First 100 Days action plan for the Government. 

I would urge the Government to work with industry as an essential partner as we deliver a shared ambition of green growth for this country.”