• The REA welcomes Labour’s plan for clean power by 2030 and notes pledge to create a publicly owned renewable energy company;
• Targets include increased renewable deployment and a commitment to not open new licenses for oil and gas;
• The Party is encouraged to now look to all ‘firm’ sources of renewable energy and clean technology.

The Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA) has welcomed the announcements made by the Labour Party to deliver a fossil fuel free electricity system by 2030 to transform the UK into a “clean energy superpower” and export clean power to the rest of the world.

Labour says that this would save UK households £93 billion over the rest of this decade. Furthermore, Sir Keir Starmer also restated the commitment to insulate 19 million homes, and announced plans to create a publicly owned renewable energy company if Labour wins the next general election, which could mean significant new investment to meet Net Zero.

The Party is urged to ensure renewables are the main contributor of the drive to zero carbon power, given their affordability, speed of deployment and sustainable nature. The REA also now encourages the Labour Party to now look to all ‘firm’ sources of renewable power such as biomass and other sources of bioenergy.

In addition, there is a pressing need to decarbonise transport and heat urgently to reduce dependence on volatile fossil fuels.

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

“The REA welcomes the Labour Party’s plan for clean power which includes targets to deploy numerous renewable energies and stop new oil and gas licences.

“However, the UK must deploy all forms of renewable and clean technologies, while also focussing on heat and transport to fully end our damaging reliance on volatile fossil fuels. Renewables represent great value for money and rapid deployment compared to alternatives.

“The urgent change we need to see to address the energy crisis and energy security requires radical intervention, therefore the REA welcomes Labour’s ambition and looks forward to working with all political parties to find effective solutions to the energy crisis.”

—ENDS—