A report by the House of
Lords cross-party Science and Technology Select Committee
concludes that actions taken by the Government do not align with
its ambition to achieve net zero emissions, nor do they take
advantage of opportunities presented by batteries and fuel cells
for the UK’s research and manufacturing sectors.
The Committee found that:
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The UK risks losing its existing automotive industry
and falling further behind global competitors in battery
manufacture.
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The UK is failing to make the most of its expertise in
fuel cells and next-generation batteries, in which it could
take a global lead.
The Committee was alarmed by the contrast and apparent
disconnect between the optimism of Ministers about the UK’s
prospects and the concerns raised by other witnesses who fear
that the UK is lagging behind its competitors and facing
significant challenges with innovation, supply chains and
skills.
The Committee has set out a number of recommendations for the
Government and research funders, aimed at protecting the UK’s
automotive sector and developing a competitive advantage for the
UK in fuel cells and next-generation batteries.
The Committee calls for:
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Government support to develop UK supply chains and
secure raw materials for battery manufacture, ahead of
UK-EU ‘Rules of Origin’ coming into force in 2027 that could
cause manufacture to move to the EU.
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Government action to ensure the automotive sector has
sufficient skilled workers for its transition from mechanical
to electrical technology, including through training,
upskilling and immigration.
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Increased funding for the development of
next-generation batteries, to allow the UK to leapfrog
its competitors and gain an advantage for future manufacture of
batteries and vehicles.
The report seeks further action from Government, including:
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Acceleration of the expansion of the public charging
network, to deliver 325,000 charging points by 2032,
including rapid chargers in towns and on the strategic road
network;
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A rapid decision following the consultation on phasing
out the sale of new diesel HGVs to spur innovation and
uptake of low-carbon technologies;
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Urgent publication of the Government’s hydrogen
strategy and related decarbonisation strategies, to
give clarity to hauliers and bus operators about whether to
invest in fuel cell vehicles; and
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Establishment of research and innovation institutions
for fuel cells, to exploit the UK’s expertise and
support UK companies to take a global lead.
Read the full report and other conclusions and recommendations -
https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/193/science-and-technology-committee-lords/publications/
Commenting on the report, , Chair of the
Lords Science and Technology Committee said:
“The Committee found that the Government’s ambition to reach
net zero emissions is not matched by its actions. The Government
must align its actions and rhetoric in order to take advantage of
the great opportunity presented by batteries and fuel cells for
UK research and manufacturing.
“The Government must act now to avoid the risk of the UK not
only losing its existing automotive industry, but also losing the
opportunity for global leadership in fuel cells and
next-generation batteries. The Government must develop a coherent
successor to the industrial strategy and promote its objectives
clearly, both domestically and internationally, supported by
investments commensurate with those of the UK's international
competitors.”
