The UK should build new nuclear power stations and scale up carbon
capture technology and infrastructure to reach the Government’s
target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, according to
the CBI.
In a letter to the Secretary of State for Business,
Energy and Industrial Strategy (see attached), Britain’s largest
business group sets out a series of priorities to decarbonise the
UK economy and calls on the Government to use a forthcoming
Energy White Paper to give more clarity on its vision. The
priorities include:
-
Progressing large-scale nuclear projects and
supporting innovative nuclear technologies, such as Small
Modular Reactors
-
Technology trials to determine the best, localised
solutions to fully decarbonise heat in homes, offices and
industrial processes
-
A clear mix of incentives for consumers and
businesses to buy electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles,
alongside comprehensive nationwide infrastructure ready for
future demand
-
Rationalising the tax and business rates system to
ensure green energy is encouraged, not penalised
-
Hosting COP 26 to showcase to the world the UK’s
expertise in green technology and commitment to leading on
climate change action.
Rain Newton-Smith, CBI Chief Economist,
said:
“Business is right behind the need for the UK to have
a net-zero economy by 2050 and build on our global leadership in
cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
“To deliver the Government’s admirable net-zero
policy by 2050, it is mission critical that business, politicians
and the public work together to devise and make the necessary
changes.
“Firms want to see a whole host of stable, long-term
policies enacted – from building new nuclear power stations to
scaling-up carbon capture and storage technology and
infrastructure – that send markets a robust signal: the UK is
open for green business, and is a world leader in tackling
climate change.”
