Energy strategy does little to aid firms in short term - Chamber

The government 's energy strategy does little to help businesses with the current record-high energy prices, business leaders said today.

At the heart of the strategy is the development of nuclear power - with the government promising to deliver up to eight reactors by 2030.

Planning reforms are to be implemented in a bid to accelerate approval for new offshore windfarms, while hydrogen production will be doubled, with the aim of providing low-carbon energy for industry, power and transport.

Reforms have also been announced for the installation of solar power in homes and commercial buildings with the aim of a five-fold increase in capacity by 2035.

However, oil and gas are also still being relied on, with a new licensing round for North Sea projects to launch this summer.

Will Hargreaves, the Chamber 's policy advisor for environmental issues, said: “The strategy is very supply focused and is more of a long-term strategy, with vague commitments. Businesses dealing with the increasing energy prices now have not been accounted for

“The Government have missed the mark on further scaling up and accelerating full retrofit solutions, including energy efficiency and insulation. These measures will provide immediate cost reductions to energy bills once installed, so it is surprising they have been missed.

“For businesses looking at how to reduce their energy use, you can see our energy week, part of the 2021 Sustainable Business Series campaign.

“There is also our low-carbon support grid, which details national and regional support for reducing energy use and saving money, amongst other themes. ”

For background on the energy crisis, see our briefing paper here.

Check out Energy Week from the Sustainable Business Series here

See the low-carbon support grid here.