REA offers overarching vision for decarbonising energy and transport
REA, the Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology, has published its vision for the next government’s first 100 days in office, postulating that the next administration will decide whether the UK meets its net zero targets.
Organised across the REA strategic pillars the First 100 Days action plan sets out a comprehensive policy platform that puts the energy transition front and centre of the government’s legislative programme, promotes joined up thinking across departments, and ensure sustainability is at the heart of policy development.
The plan, says REA, would “provide long-term assurances to the sector, and ensure the UK is once more positioned as a global leader in the energy transition.”
Presented as a series of “Pillar” documents – covering Transport, Circular Bioresources; Heat and Cooling; and Power and Flexibility – the plan sets out an overarching vision for the next government, and a series of steps and policy actions to be rolled out quickly and have an immediate impact.
Dr Nina Skorupska CEO of the REA said, “The REA’s First 100 Days action plan is a comprehensive vision that would galvanise the entire sector across multiple technologies. It is no secret the UK’s status as global leader in Net Zero has been called into question. We strongly urge the next government to implement the policy steps outlined in our First 100 Days action plan, if it is serious about putting the energy transition front and centre of the government’s legislative programme, and hitting important milestones such as decarbonising heat, transport energy demand, and the electricity system, and ensuring all biodegradable waste is sustainably recycled.”
With respect to Transport REA says the overall objective should be that 50% of UK transport energy demand is decarbonised by 2035 and proposes the following as the immediate steps the next Government will need to take to achieve this:
1. Reinstate the 2030 phase-out date for sales of new petrol & diesel cars
The next Government should immediately reinstate the initial 2030 phase-out date for sales of new petrol and diesel cars.
2. Announce a national car scrappage scheme for the most polluting cars
The next Government should introduce a national scrappage scheme by the end of the year. This would financially compensate owners of the most polluting cars and support them with interest-free credit to buy an electric vehicle.
3. Incentivise investment into rural EV infrastructure
The next Government should provide financial incentives for investment into EV infrastructure in rural areas. This should include, for instance, a bespoke rural charging grant or fund. This could be done as part of an ‘EV Infrastructure Bill’ to ensure accessible, fair charging for all EV users.
4. Ramp up the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation targets
The next Government should introduce more ambitious Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation targets to ensure existing vehicles on UK roads are the least polluting they can be. The new targets should extend the Obligation beyond 2032 with a clear trajectory out to 2050. The targets should be reinforced by lower taxes for renewable fuels at the fuel pump. Additional measures may be needed to support higher blends of liquid and renewable fuels in harder to electrify sectors, such as HGVs.
5. Introduce an EV infrastructure package to ensure a good charging experience for all
The next Government should adopt an EV Infrastructure Bill, to roll out even charging infrastructure across the country, ensuring accessible charging for all which will address charging barriers for van drivers and disabled users.
6. Ensure Green Skills are in place by developing an EV infrastructure apprenticeship scheme with industry
The next Government should adopt a match-funded industry deal to develop an EV and wider zero carbon infrastructure skills scheme led by charge point operators and delivered in conjunction with district network operators, chargepoint manufacturers, energy suppliers and motor manufactures to create a pipeline of skilled workers.
7. Deliver the Sustainable Aviation Fuel mandate by 1st January 2025
The next Government should ensure the regulations to start the mandate are laid before Parliament within the first 100 days. The policy decision has already been made and is awaiting the necessary legislation. The next Government should also act quickly on the revenue certainty mechanism once the consultation concludes.
8. Develop a Sustainable Marine Fuel mandate to decarbonise the shipping industry
The next Government should develop a policy for sustainable marine fuels by 2030, following the introduction of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel mandate which will begin in 2025. This should include all forms of sustainable marine transport options.