Energy White Paper highlights wind and clean hydrogen as key net zero technologies

“This broad blueprint provides clear visibility on how the UK can ramp up decarbonisation across a wide range of sectors. We’re pleased to see the white paper describes onshore and offshore wind as key building blocks for the future generation mix, and that it highlights the need for sustained growth in these industries to reach net zero. Innovative floating wind will also play a major role in this.

“The Government’s announcement of a clean hydrogen strategy to be published in the spring sends a strong signal of its commitment to develop this flexible power source - renewable hydrogen can be produced at scale using electricity generated by wind. We need to use every viable technology to decarbonise as fast and as cheaply as possible.

“We hope the series of wide-ranging consultations announced today will speed up our work building the high renewable net zero electricity system this country needs. This includes fine-tuning Contracts for Differences to ensure they continue to offer best value for money for consumers while accelerating the growth of the UK renewables supply chain. CfDs have successfully delivered massive cost reductions, making renewables our cheapest new power sources, and our members are working tirelessly to maximise supply chain opportunities for companies throughout the country”.

“Ministers have taken on board a number of our policy recommendations, including the need to reform Ofgem with a consultation on the regulator’s strategy and policy, which we hope will ensure it puts net zero at the heart of its decision-making process as soon as possible”.