CBI responds to Climate Change Committee report on cost of net zero

Tania Kumar, Energy Transition Director, CBI, said:

“The transition to a net zero economy is not only essential for tackling climate change, it also represents one of the most significant growth opportunities for the UK.

“A successful energy transition will require a tailored mix of solutions. Accelerating the rollout of domestic renewables, cutting business energy costs, and supporting firms to adopt new clean technologies will be critical to reducing exposure to global fossil fuel markets and strengthening the UK’s economic resilience.

“Current geopolitical instability has shown that the UK remains vulnerable to fossil fuel price shocks. UK businesses already face some of the highest energy costs in the G7 and, in combination with wider economic pressures, that is squeezing profitability, stalling investment, and putting long‑term growth at risk. A clear and ambitious national strategy for tackling high business energy costs is urgently needed to help firms move beyond short-term crisis responses and set a clear path to a more affordable and sustainable energy future.

“As the UK navigates increasingly volatile global energy markets, it is clear that energy security and resilience are the foundations of business confidence. Past shocks, from the war in Ukraine to the Covid pandemic, show that different sectors experience vulnerabilities differently.”