UK lagging in progress to low-carbon economy

Uncertainty about future policy directions is preventing companies from making major investments in efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

That’s the message from the CBI, who say that little progress has been made in speeding up the planning process over the last six months. This is preventing businesses from investing in new low-carbon energy, such as wind, nuclear and clean coal plants.

The CBI’s Climate Change Tracker monitors the progress of the government, companies and consumers towards a low-carbon economy.

Richard Lambert, CBI Director-General, said: “Massive private sector investment will be required to get our energy system up to scratch and cut carbon emissions, but delays in implementing the Planning Act are threatening the future of these critical energy projects.

“Businesses are not going to commit to building the new wind, nuclear and clean coal power stations that will be needed to keep the lights on if they think the goal posts are going to get shifted further down the line.”

The CBI wants the government to publish national policy statements on nuclear and renewable power, make energy efficiency improvements in homes and offices more attractive, and help get a replacement for the Kyoto protocol.

Mr Lambert added: “Progress on meeting our climate change goals has been patchy so far, but we can still get back on track if we take decisive action in the next six months.

“More businesses need to get their house in order by better managing their carbon emissions, as well as by developing more innovative low-carbon products and services aimed at consumers.”

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July 2009