Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 9
9
Accepted
Consumer buy-in for net zero technologies remains unassessed despite practical challenges.
Recommendation
The rapid deployment of net zero technologies will depend crucially on whether consumers want to buy them. However, consumers can face significant practical challenges in incorporating new technologies into their everyday lives, as we see with building an adequate charging network to support the projected increase in the number of electric cars. We asked DESNZ whether it had done any assessment of the extent to which consumers would buy into net zero technologies. DESNZ told us that it is seeking to maximise opportunities for consumers to take part in technology development.
Government Response Summary
The government agrees to further consider consumer challenges in net zero technology adoption and intends to publish an update on the Net Zero Research and Innovation Framework Delivery Plan by Spring 2025.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
3.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Spring 2025 3.2 The Net Zero Strategy set out six clear principles on how the government will engage the public and support them to make green choices. This includes ensuring that green choices are affordable and easier to make. 3.3 In summer 2022 government launched a comprehensive energy advice service on GOV.UK to help consumers improve the energy performance of their homes, which is supported by a phoneline and in-person advice scheme. 3.4 The government has also spent over £2 billion to support the transition to zero emission vehicles. This funding has focused on reducing barriers to the adoption of such vehicles, including offsetting their higher upfront cost and accelerating the rollout of charge- point infrastructure. 3.5 Consumer interests and the potential challenges they face are a key consideration when designing R&I programmes. For example, through the £1 billion Net Zero Innovation Portfolio, the Heat Pump Ready programme tests how domestic heat pumps can be made more accessible, deployable and attractive to the consumer. Similarly, the Green Home Finance Accelerator develops new consumer finance models to make the initial capital required for building energy efficiency measures more accessible. 3.6 The government will further consider consumer challenges as it reviews progress against the innovation priorities. As part of this, DESNZ intends to publish an update on the Net Zero Research and Innovation Framework Delivery Plan by the end of the current Spending Review period in 2025.