Source · Select Committees · Transport Committee
Recommendation 18
18
Acknowledged
The Government may not always be able to adhere to its technology agnostic policy as...
Recommendation
The Government may not always be able to adhere to its technology agnostic policy as it seeks to achieve the target of net zero emissions by 2050. If that aspiration is to be fulfilled, it must introduce policies that enable a functioning market which encourages alternative fuel uptake. That will sometimes mean ‘picking winners’. A technology agnostic approach from the Government should not be used as an excuse for doing nothing to lead. (Paragraph 131) 46 Fuelling the future: motive power and connectivity
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the impact of uncertainty, but believes its technology-neutral approach is the most credible path to net zero, committing to reviewing its strategy and funding research programs. They are publishing a Low Carbon Fuels Strategy.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government acknowledges the impact of uncertainty on its strategy given its reliance on long-term projections and uncertainty about future technological advances in some sectors. However, based on the current state of technology and research, the Government believes it is the most credible pathway to deliver on its net zero targets. To mitigate this risk, the Government has committed to reviewing its strategy at least every five years, and adapting its approach based on industry and research developments. While the Government’s approach to delivering ambitions for greener transport is technology neutral, it is not outcome neutral, the end goal must be zero exhaust emissions. Where technology is uncertain or in development, the Department for Transport is funding several research programmes, including the Advanced Fuels Fund, zero emission HGV and infrastructure demonstrators and the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition to resolve uncertainty and support the development and deployment of new technologies and infrastructure in the UK. The Government will publish a Low Carbon Fuels Strategy which will support investment by setting out a vision for the deployment of low carbon fuels across transport modes up to 2050. This builds on extensive consultation with stakeholders throughout 2022 and includes the consideration of the low carbon transport fuel infrastructure requirements of the future, with the aim to maximise the opportunities presented by the upcoming transition and mitigate the risk of stranded assets.