A Net Zero Grid by 2035; Why the energy crisis demands a step-change in sustainability

Tomorrow, Siemens Energy launches a report in the House of Commons on the readiness of the supply chain to deliver a net-zero grid by 2035.

It would be remiss of me to release a report focused on sustainability and decarbonisation without acknowledging the other clear issues in the energy industry. The energy crisis that we see unfolding is like nothing I’ve seen in my lifetime. Sadly, the pain felt in the pockets of consumers is set only to get worse; Things look ominous this Winter.

So why now? With a Conservative leadership election concluding (any minute now!) and with energy businesses overtaking banks as public enemy number one.

Why is now the time to launch a report on a net-zero grid and our supply chain readiness?

Put simply; we no longer have the luxury of time. We need rapid change and dynamic thinking to change every aspect of energy generation, use and consumption.

I strongly believe that now is the time to talk about sustainability. The escalating energy bills we see today are, for the most part, driven by the increased price of fossil fuels. Electricity from renewable sources has a cheaper rate per unit, and homegrown renewable energy can reduce the UK’s reliance on expensive exports and deliver increased energy security.

It is said that the UK Government is seriously considering bringing coal-fired stations back onto the bars this Winter as part of emergency measures and the German government have already announced a resurgence of coal as one of its contingency plans if the going gets tougher. Two of Europe’s largest and most progressive green energy markets could be set back decades.

We have to talk about how we get to a net-zero grid, because with sustainability comes resilience and energy security. Transitioning away from carbon intensive industries has a myriad of other benefits, in addition to sustainability. ?

Together with Aurora Research, the EIC and BEAMA, our new Siemens Energy report aims to put some clarity and pragmatism behind the ambitious net-zero targets. We know that it is not enough to aim for the stars when it comes to delivering on our sustainability targets. We need a map, clear direction and accountability to navigate the seismic change needed.

Affordable, sustainable and reliable energy is achievable for everyone in society, but we must work together to remodel our energy landscape.

I look forward to sharing the report and its findings with you tomorrow, but for now massive thanks to the team delivering the report and our launch event. Matthew Knight Vijay Shinde Simon Greenhalgh Danielle Turton

To those of you joining us in the House of Commons tomorrow, I’m looking forward to seeing you!