- Conference
- 2024 Energy Service Group Conference
- Date
- 27 February 2024
- Decision
- Carried
Conference notes that to reach net zero we need a clear energy policy that is fit for purpose. We have seen too many times Governments moving the goalposts when it comes to a clear vision of what we need to achieve net zero.
We have seen the roll back on the current Tory Governments’ timelines on the abolition of petrol and Diesel cars and the constant changing in funding to renewable pilot schemes and energy efficiency.
Our industry was hopeful for the pledge by Labour in their flagship climate change policy – The New Green Deal, a plan that would turn a lukewarm Treasury, addicted to stop-start measures on climate change into a driving force of economic transformation with a pledge to spend £28bn annually until 2030 to cut emissions and build up green industries, which was cut not once but twice to around £4.7bn per year. Labour have also cut their goals on energy efficiency and retrofitting of residential properties by half while retaining the initial timeline.
Conference, this does not help our industry to plan ahead. We all know to support the transition to net zero we need to increase the number of employees in the industry. Unison’s Grid Locked Report clearly outlines the benefits of decarbonisation with economic growth, creation of tens of thousand jobs in installation, maintenance, manufacturing, and research as well as promoting skills development and training programmes to equip workers with expertise.
Our industry requires stability to ensure we are able to meet demand in energy production, grid upgrades, EV charge installations, etc and these constant changes makes it impossible to ensure we have a workforce that is ready to implement low/zero carbon technology.
Therefore, conference calls upon the energy executive to:
1. Work with labour link to lobby Government and the Labour Party to set a clear plan for a net zero timeline and milestones.
2. Work with the NEC and other appropriate structures within the union to champion the energy sectors policies.