Net Zero review admits UK could do better to reap benefits of green growth

The UK could be doing more to reap the economic benefits of green growth, says a major review commissioned by the government and overseen by the former energy minister, Chris Skidmore MP.

The Net Zero Review makes a total of 129 recommendations to help seize the opportunities that will arise from creating the green economy, such as giving businesses a greater role to play, making better use of infrastructure and delivering more energy efficient homes.

Prospect had submitted its own evidence to the review back in November 2022, saying in its concluding remarks that:

“There is no necessary tension between delivering net zero, energy security, and inclusive economic growth. However, the government needs to take an active role, with clear and consistent policies, to ensure these objectives support each other.

Responding to the publication of the final report, Prospect has welcomed that it highlights the urgent need to deliver a properly funded launch of Great British Nuclear, unblocking the development of onshore wind and solar, and ramping up investment in our energy networks.

Main recommendations in the report include:

• Using infrastructure to unlock Net Zero, such as accelerating the connection of cheaper renewables such as solar and onshore wind
• Creating sustainable governance structures for net zero: establishing an Office for Net Zero Delivery
• Backing businesses to be green, via incentives in tax system and capital allowances
• Increasing transparency and engaging people – ramping up public information and developing a carbon calculator for the public to make informed choices on products
• Delivering greener and cheaper homes
• Capitalising on the UK’s international climate leadership

On the report’s publication, Chris Skidmore MP, said:

“We should be proud of the lead the UK has taken in tackling climate change, having exceeded expectations so far in our race to net zero emissions by 2050. As essential as that is environmentally, it also puts us at an economic advantage globally.

“We lead in areas including clean technologies, science, manufacturing and green finance – areas that, if managed right, can lead to new jobs and strong economic growth.

“In developing this report, we have engaged with communities, economists and climate experts from across the country through more than 50 roundtables and 1800 submissions – all of which have led to the Mission Zero findings.

“My recommendations are designed to make the most of this historic opportunity, covering the length and breadth of our economy, so that people in every part of the country can reap the benefits of this both in their communities, and in their pockets.”