ECA welcomes creation of new Energy & Net Zero Department

Leading engineering services trade body ECA has broadly welcomed the creation of the new Government Department for Energy Security and net Zero.

The body, which represents 3,000 electrotechnical businesses and 66,000 professionals in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, says the move has the potential to make a step change in the efforts to reach Net Zero Carbon emissions by 2050.

Paul Reeve, ECA Director of CSR said:

“We trust the new Department for Energy Security and net Zero will rapidly engage not only with the Government’s own Net Zero Carbon commitments, but also the recent recommendations of the Skidmore review, which confirmed the huge economic and other benefits of actively pursuing Net Zero.

“The new Department must focus on boosting UK low carbon energy from renewables and nuclear, and the skills base that will ensure safe and reliable delivery.

“In the context of achieving energy resilience and Net Zero, it should also review the strategic potential for tidal energy to provide a major, storable renewable energy resource for the UK.”

As Britain expands its use of renewable energy sources and electrifies its transport and heating infrastructure, the role of electrotechnical contractors and engineering services businesses is becoming ever more prominent. The industry’s workforce plays a vital role in delivering energy security and building safe and reliable systems for consumers.

ECA highlighted the importance of joined-up energy policy, green skills, competence and safety in its flagship multimedia series, Leading the Charge.