hilip Hammond outlined the government’s clean economic strategy in his spring statement today. Credit: Chatham House

The UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond outlined the government’s clean economic strategy in his spring statement today.

In his address to the House of Commons, the chancellor laid out a series of proposals which build on the 2018 budget and focus on the Industrial Strategy, Clean Growth Strategy and 25 Year Environment Plan.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

Among the proposals was a call for evidence on a business energy efficiency scheme to see how the government could support investment in energy efficiency. The government will also look into offsetting transport emissions and whether travel companies should be required to offer carbon offsets to customers.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The chancellor outlined how the government will advance the decarbonisation of gas supplies by increasing the proportion of ‘green gas’ in the grid and reducing the dependence on natural gas in homes and businesses. He also proposed the ‘Future Homes Standard’, which will end the use of fossil-fuel heating in new houses from 2025.

The government will look to protect the environment by increasing biodiversity and ensuring that new housing developments would not impede this.

Reaction to the statement

Energy Institute external affairs director Nick Turton said: “Given the political backdrop and the preoccupation of ministers with Brexit, it’s reassuring that clean energy gets a good look in – and in a way that indicates ministers are listening both to their statutory advisers and to the increasingly vocal public mood around sustainability.

“Last year’s Clean Growth Strategy acknowledged a considerable shortfall against the fifth carbon budget to 2030, so it’s good to see flesh being put on the bones in policy areas that have been seen as wanting – business energy efficiency, decarbonising heat in homes, and tackling emissions from transport. Time will tell whether the pace and scale of the ambition is enough to fill the gap.”

GMB National Secretary Justin Bowden added: “GMB calls on Parliament to reject this proposal until there is thorough public debate on the energy mix and who pays.

“We recognise the UK must up its game in respect of its climate change commitments under the Paris Treaty – but today’s announcement doesn’t sound well thought through.

“Who will pay the subsidies to investors for the low and zero carbon energy sources?

“Whilst there are some positive and very welcome announcements regarding decarbonising the gas grid – with current Government policy on new nuclear power stations and renewable energy all over the place, the decisions on the UK’s future energy needs and mix must be properly debated. Gas will be essential to meeting UK energy demands for many years to come.”