The techUK take on the government net zero plan
From our initial take there’s a lot to be excited about and we’re pleased that digital innovation features fairly prominently.
There’s still plenty of work that needs to be done and we really urge government to really set out how the UK is going to harness the economic opportunity of the 21st century, and respond to the bold American plans that have unlocked an estimated $3 trillion in private investment.
Given digital tech has the potential to cut 15-20% of global emissions by 2030, there’s no chance of ever getting to net zero without deploying this at scale. The new innovation framework has some promising things in there to further this, and the new proposals on much tougher ESG reporting are necessary, but will be challenging for many firms to understand.
There are some really positive things in the Sir Patrick Vallance review on how to grow green industries and the Green Finance Strategy should catalyse additional investment into key technologies that can help address the climate and biodiversity crises globally and position the UK as a leader. The importance of data in the energy grid too is mentioned and we need to make sure the grid digitises as quickly as possible.
Responding to the publication of these strategies, Matt Evans, Director of Markets said:
We welcome the Government’s latest commitment to review UK’s strategy and deliver net zero. This new raft of policies should kick-start private sector innovations across clean energy and wider industry. The tech sector has a crucial part to play in delivering on the targets, there is also the real opportunity to make the UK the home of climate tech. With the increased urgency of addressing climate change, it’s time to make real strides in the transition towards a more sustainable and prosperous future.
techUK has worked with the government, Chris Skidmore MP, members and industry to try get this response into a place that recognises the role of tech. We will be continuing to engage with members and are really excited to join the Mission Zero Coalition to drive the business implementation of the recommendations.
There are a whole raft of new announcements and these are:
- Net Zero Growth Plan
- Powering Up Britain
- Floating offshore wind competition
- National Policy Statements
- The 2023 Green Finance Strategy Mobilising Green Investment
- The Government response to the Energy Company Obligation+ scheme consultation
- Community benefits consultationâ
- A Government consultation on regulating ESG ratings providers
- Sir Patrick Vallance's Pro-Innovation Regulation of Technologies Review – Green Industries
- HM Government Response to Sir Patrick Vallance’s Pro-Innovation Regulation of Technologies Review – Green Industries
- Terms of Reference for a Review into HM Government’s approach to attracting Foreign Direct Investment
- CCUS Track-1 Project Negotiation List
- CCUS Track-2 guidance
- Shortlist for the first electrolytic hydrogen allocation round
- Consultation on addressing carbon leakage risk to support decarbonisation
- 2030 Strategic Framework for International Climate and Nature Action
- HM Government International Climate Finance Strategy
- Nature Markets Policy Framework
Members are invited to join a member call at 11am on 4 April. Please email [email protected] to find out more.
To get involved with our work on climate please visit our Climate Action Hub.
techUK – Committed to Climate Action
By 2030, digital technology can cut global emissions by 15%. Cloud computing, 5G, AI and IoT have the potential to support dramatic reductions in carbon emissions in sectors such as transport, agriculture, and manufacturing. techUK is working to foster the right policy framework and leadership so we can all play our part. For more information on how techUK can support you, please visit our Climate Action Hub and click ‘contact us’.
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