The promises and compromises of UK net zero

Are the UK Government’s decisions on oil and gas licenses pushing renewable energy investments away from the UK?

Following Rishi Sunak’s decision to extend oil and gas licences across England– a controversial verdict which potentially hinders the net zero movement – research finds that there have since been no new applications for onshore wind farms in England, potentially driving investment for renewable energy abroad.

Despite renewables being seen as the cleanest form of power and being popular in the public eye for our best effort to achieve net zero goals, only one new wind project has become fully operational in England.

However, many more renewable projects are being built across the EU – as well as in Scotland and Wales, where planning rules are less strict.

In 2015 the government hadn’t yet changed planning rules to make it easier for local people to block onshore wind farms in their areas, which allowed for 158 new onshore projects in England, involving the construction of 228 new turbines to be built. However, during last year, only two projects were built in England.

Could England be losing its renewable energy market to other countries?

Onshore wind projects in England have seen little increases, while rapid increases in investment in Germany, France and Sweden.

Whitehall has seen a lack of bidding for licences in the?latest auction for offshore wind?projects, due to the price companies could charge for the energy was set at too low a rate.

The?Observer has noted that ministers are to later announce a new framework of pricing to try to attract more investment into the sector to turn the tide. Civil servants and government advisers have presented caution over the effect that recent government pronouncements on the green agenda have had on companies’ investment thinking.

￡200 million funding from UK government to launch green skills and careers

People seeking careers in the green energy sector, including jobs in digital and construction, will be able to access improved skills training, helping them secure jobs closer to home, the UK government has announced.

Funding ￡200 million towards colleges and universities to offer more training opportunities and support in key industries, this investment is set to improve the green job sector.

Demand for green skills is rising, so the government has generated new incentives to create energy security as the UK heads towards net zero.

What does the net zero target look like in the UK so far?

The government’s net zero growth plan predicts an increase in heat pump installation and solar panel maintenance, electric vehicle manufacturing and environmental consultancy – all of which require specialist training and a bigger workforce.

The Net Zero Readiness Report 2023 states that despite the UK nearly cutting its greenhouse gas emissions in half since 1990, the UK is set to struggle with further emission reductions, primarily across transport, buildings, and industry sectors. These sectors collectively accounted for 60% of all GHG emissions in 2022.

Despite its hindrances in net zero achievement, the UK is investing in a range of projects so communities can equip people with green skills.?

The funding will also make sure more people can access higher technical qualifications, with new courses including thermal imaging, aerial survey and mapping and will utilise virtual reality capabilities to develop simulated engineering challenges, construction processes and techniques, supporting people to gain the skills needed to launch green careers.??

So far, over 40,000 people have begun a skills bootcamp in the last financial year, exceeding the government’s original target.

Government to review and replenish the offshore wind sector

The?Offshore Transmission Network (OFTO) system is to be reviewed by the?UK’s?Department for Energy Security and Net Zero?(DESNZ) to?grow London’s offshore wind?sector, and ensure it remains fit for achieving net zero goals.

In this review, DESNZ issued a?Call for Evidence?from stakeholders in the OFTO system including wind generators, transmission owners, renewable energy trade associations and industry representatives.

Additionally, DESNZ is?proposing an exemption from the requirement to hold a transmission licence for array systems connecting an offshore windfarm to an offshore substation.

The department stated: “We are seeking evidence to support policy development on issues with current arrangements for the Offshore Transmission Owner regime and views on its suitability for the future to ensure the continued delivery of offshore wind to meet the UK’s net zero target.

“If, following this Call for Evidence and further policy development, appropriate changes to the OFTO regime are identified and deemed more effective than other potential policy levers, then the government will consult on these, where appropriate.”

Come and exhibit with us at All-Energy and Dcarbonise, May 15-16 2024

?