Source · Select Committees · Transport Committee
Recommendation 20
20
Acknowledged
The Government must shift its ‘technology agnostic’ policy to a ‘targeted technology investment’ policy.
Recommendation
The Government must shift its ‘technology agnostic’ policy to a ‘targeted technology investment’ policy. Such a policy will provide the Government with the flexibility to make strategic investments in new technologies that offer evidenced solutions to lowering emissions, while allowing the Government to maintain a level of neutrality on the emission reduction approach in transport sectors which are currently difficult to decarbonise. (Paragraph 133) Fuelling the future: motive power and connectivity 47
Government Response Summary
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. It is funding research programmes, and 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.
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.