The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) has today expressed
disappointment that the Government has failed to acknowledge the
key role community energy can play in prompting behaviour change
and lowering emissions on the path to net zero.
In a letter to the Business Secretary, EAC Chair raises concern about the lack of clarity from the
Government on the role of community energy in decarbonising the
energy sector, and expresses disappointment that it only received
a passing mention in the Energy White Paper.
Financial support is needed for community energy schemes to
thrive, as occurred under the Coalition Government. The EAC has
therefore recommended that BEIS introduces a minimum Smart Export
Guarantee floor price above zero, and extends the guarantee on
the energy export price. The EAC heard that at present the Smart
Export Guarantee is flawed because it provides no minimum export
price and no long-term certainty beyond 12 months.
Regulatory barriers appear to be stalling any further significant
roll-out of community energy projects. The EAC recommends
regulatory and grid-connection barriers are removed to allow
community projects to sell their energy to their local
communities. Ministers could look to the Netherlands for examples
of successful harnessing of this potential.
Environmental Audit Committee Chairman, Rt Hon MP, said:
“Our continuing inquiry into technological innovations
and climate change has shown us that there is no shortage of
innovative ideas that could all play significant roles in helping
the UK achieve net zero emissions. But what is lacking is
Government support, a coherent plan, and recognition of current
barriers. We have found that community energy is no
exception.
“For net zero Britain requires us to change our behaviour
and adapt to a low-carbon lifestyle. Community energy can help
achieve this – not only powering homes and businesses up and down
the country but by engaging local citizens on the benefits of
renewable energy and – in many ways – how we can do our bit to
help keep the lights on ourselves.
“I urge the Government to consider increasing the role
community energy can play, and how we can learn from countries
like the Netherlands on how to make it work.”
Notes for editors
