More Renewables Needed to Reach Net Zero Emissions

The report by the Committee on Climate Change on cutting greenhouse gas emission to net zero by 2050 highlights the key role of wind energy in tackling global warming while also keeping energy bills down for consumers.   

The CCC report sets out that “renewable power (e.g. solar, wind) is now as cheap as or cheaper than fossil fuels” and notes that policy “is therefore increasingly to enable low-carbon energy paths rather than to subsidise them”. The report envisages a doubling of electricity demand, all met by low-carbon power sources compared to 50% today. Under the scenarios in the CCC report, annual investment in the power sector will need to double to £20bn.

The report notes that public support for action against climate change is growing, and that the Government’ own opinion polls show that the popularity of onshore wind has grown to an all-time high of 76%. The report recommends the introduction of a favourable policies for low-cost onshore wind. The CCC also suggests that a near-tenfold increase in offshore wind capacity is achievable by 2050.  

RenewableUK’s Deputy Chief Executive Emma Pinchbeck said:

“This report could trigger a giant leap forward in UK emissions reduction – action matched to the real dangers of climate change. The advisors at the Committee on Climate Change say that a net zero economy by 2050 is possible – but only if we put a rocket under our renewables ambition.  

“To achieve net zero, we have to put the pedal to the metal on our world-leading wind industry. The report suggests a ten-fold increase in offshore wind and action to reverse the decline of onshore wind. It also links the speed of renewables growth to driving other emissions reduction: making best use of electric vehicles or green homes needs more wind” 

“We can’t keep playing politics if we’re going to tackle climate change. Nor can we rely on a net zero target alone. Delayed policy action over the last twenty years has already made the challenge harder and cuts to emissions steeper. Government needs to act now, and we have a world-leading renewables industry which can help them deliver.”