Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 36
36
Acknowledged
Decarbonising electricity generation proves crucial for achieving government net zero targets.
Conclusion
Decarbonising electricity generation is crucial to the government’s net zero strategy, including decarbonising home heating. If, as the government expects, most homes switch their heating systems to heat pumps or heat networks, it is important that these are powered by clean sources of electricity to achieve decarbonisation. In 2021, the government set an ambition that by 2035 all electricity should be generated using clean sources, subject to security of supply, while meeting an expected increase in electricity demand of up to 60%. This means phasing out polluting types of electricity generation, such as gas-fired power stations and replacing them with a new mix of zero and low-carbon generation, including wind, solar and nuclear power.73
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the committee's observations about decarbonising electricity generation and its 2035 ambition. It reiterates its 2030 Clean Power target and the appointment of Chris Stark to lead a 2030 Mission Control to accelerate delivery, with further details to follow.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
7.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: to be confirmed 7.2 The implementation of recommendations is dependent on further steers from new ministers, and the department will inform the new Committee as soon as an implementation date is agreed. 7.3 This government has announced a target of delivering Clean Power by 2030, as a key pillar of the mission to make the UK a Clean Energy Superpower. To support this effort, the Secretary of State of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has appointed Chris Stark to lead a 2030 Mission Control to spearhead a new approach to accelerate the delivery of critical, clean energy infrastructure. 7.4 Mission Control has the mandate to lead bold action in collaboration with industry, Ofgem, and the Electricity System Operator to remove obstacles and identify and resolve issues as they arise. Further information on the approach will be announced in due course.