Government announces Clean Growth Strategy

This strategy sets out the government's proposals for decarbonising all sectors of the UK economy through the 2020s. It explains how the whole country can benefit from low carbon opportunities, while meeting national and international commitments to tackle climate change.

Among the policies and proposals detailed in the strategy  are many directly linked to building a low-carbon, sustainable future that business can be a part of, including:

• Rolling out low carbon heating
• Accelerating the shift to low carbon transport
• Delivering clean, smart, flexible power
• Reducing power costs for homes and businesses

The CBI welcomed the low-carbon transition being seen as a cross-government priority as part of the Industrial Strategy, but called on government to turn the strategy into action.

Neil Carberry, CBI Managing Director for People and Infrastructure, comments on the strategy:

“The road to a low-carbon 2030 offers huge opportunities for the UK economy and is a vital part of an effective industrial strategy.

“Following a significant period of uncertainty in the energy sector, businesses need certainty about the plans and policies that will deliver a low-carbon future. Today’s long-anticipated Clean Growth Strategy is a welcome step towards clarity, and businesses will be pleased by much of the content. It is particularly welcome that the low-carbon transition is seen as a cross-government priority as part of the Industrial Strategy.

“We have seen huge strides in delivering a clean power system, and it is right that we build on this progress, ensuring security, flexibility and cost-effectiveness in the system. Putting Carbon Capture and Storage back on the agenda is also a positive step.

“But there remains significant heavy lifting in other parts of the economy, such as heat, transport and improving the efficiency of our homes and industry, and concerted efforts will be needed to ensure we can meet our ambitions.

“It is now critical that business and the Government work together to ensure this strategy translates into action.”