Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 25
25
Accepted in Part
Paragraph: 179
Launch net zero ports consultation immediately to plan infrastructure, funding, and electrification requirements.
Recommendation
We recommend that Ministers launch their planned consultation on net zero ports without further delay, so as to gather signals from the ports industry and the wider maritime sector at the earliest opportunity as to what infrastructure is likely to be required to minimise the emissions from ships at berth in UK ports, to provide for bunkering and refuelling with low- or zero-emission fuels and to develop a suitable structure for funding infrastructure development. Ministers must send the clearest signals possible about the likely requirements for port electrification so as to enable early planning for potential grid connections.
Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation and is considering options for a call for evidence alongside its domestic maritime decarbonisation plan, aiming to collate evidence on port clean energy infrastructure and enable port decarbonisation.
Paragraph Reference:
179
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
The Government accepts this recommendation. The Government is considering options on a call for evidence alongside its plan for the decarbonising the domestic maritime sector. It is important to understand and collate evidence on what clean energy infrastructure currently exists at ports and how the government can enable ports to decarbonise their operations. This will help inform how ports can enable shipping to decarbonise through the introduction of further clean energy infrastructure, including the importance of timely grid connection upgrades to the sector.