Businesses have called on the government to set an end date for the use of unabated gas in the electricity sector in the UK.
In a letter penned to Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Kwasi Kwarteng MP, the chief executive of 13 major businesses urged ministers to set a target of 2035. This would tie in with the target recently set by the Biden Administration in the US.
The companies, which include the BT Group, Triodos Bank and WSP, said they stand ready to play their part in delivering fully decarbonised electricity by 2035.
While it will be a challenge, and require new investment in renewable energy of £14 billion annually the letter notes, they are confident it can be achieved.
“As COP26 approaches, we believe the time is right for the UK to signal an end to the use of unabated fossil fuels in the power sector, claiming another historic first,” the companies wrote. “There is now a clear pathway to delivering emissions-free electricity, as analysis by the Climate Change Committee and the IEA shows.
“This pathway must be one that does not rely on expensive technologies but will instead leave both consumers and the taxpayer better off while supporting skilled employment in all parts of the country as we build a new zero emissions power sector.”
The full list of signatories includes; Bioregional, BT Group, Wilmott Dixon, Chapmanbdsp, Triodos Bank, Mitie, Nestlé UK&I, EAUC, Co-Op Food, Anglian Water, Thames Water, WSP and Landsec.
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