The Labour Government’s GB Energy Bill is a welcome step towards a greener future, particularly in its commitment to achieve net zero emissions from the electricity grid by 2030.
As a newly elected Green Party member, I am heartened to see this bill moving forward just two months after the election.
But while we applaud this urgency, MPs must ensure that limited Government funding for GB Energy truly addresses the climate emergency we face.
Biodiversity
The green energy revolution unfolding before our eyes is exciting, with governments committing to 100% clean electricity supply by 2030.
The UK Energy Bill, currently before Parliament, will provide vital support to accelerate the development of renewable energy, giving the sector the confidence it needs to invest and innovate.
But as the Bill moves forward, there is a real opportunity to ensure that it has the greatest possible impact and provides the greatest benefit to people.
Firstly, we must recognise that the climate crisis and the nature crisis are inextricably linked. It is disappointing that the Bill does not give GB Energy the powers to both accelerate the supply of renewable energy and contribute to nature’s recovery.
The nature recovery obligation would ensure that climate targets are met whilst also contributing to biodiversity targets set under environmental law.
Impact
That means that renewable energy projects will automatically build in wildlife-friendly design from the get-go. And we expect that they will also build in agriculture-friendly design. Best for the climate, best for nature, and best value for money.
Second, there is a glaring omission in the proposed bill: it does not explicitly exclude GB Energy from engaging in the drilling and burning of fossil fuels.
Ed Miliband has shown leadership in keeping new fossil fuels in the ground, including taking steps to block the Rosebank oil field.
But we must use the GB Energy Bill to further reduce the UK’s exposure to price volatility and protect households from energy price shocks. We must make it clear that GB Energy will not promote, encourage or invest in fossil fuel energy projects. Not a cent of GB Energy’s funds should go to fossil fuels.
Third, the bill ignores the important role of community energy – energy projects owned and controlled by local communities. These projects have real impact and great potential, yet community energy isn’t even mentioned in the bill.
poverty
We need community energy representation in GB Energy’s governance structure, mechanisms to ensure funding gets to community energy cooperatives, and a clear plan to ensure communities reap the full benefits of the renewable energy revolution.
The government has stated that it wants to expand this sector by 10-15 times, so let’s ensure GB Energy supports this ambition.
Furthermore, while the inclusion of energy efficiency in GB Energy’s remit is welcome, we need assurances that it will not be treated as an afterthought.
Home insulation is the surest way to lift people out of fuel poverty and permanently reduce energy demand, yet the government has yet to articulate policy to enable home insulation across the country.
squeeze
Street by street, home insulation is essential to lowering energy bills, enhancing energy security and improving public health.
There is no better investment in your energy system than reducing the wasted energy that leaks through your windows, walls and roof.
The energy sector is vital to decarbonising our economy and I applaud the Government for prioritising this legislation. GB Energy has the potential to be a game-changer in our energy transition.
As lawmakers debate this bill, let’s use this opportunity to make it even more ambitious so we get the most value from every dollar invested in tackling the climate and nature challenges we face.
This author
Adrian Ramsay MP is co-leader of the Green Party.
