Lords warn over clean power targets

A House of Lords committee has warned that the UK is in danger of missing its clean power target of decarbonising the electricity system by at least 95% by 2030.

The Industry and Regulators Committee also suggested that regional zonal pricing should enable better use of existing grid capacity and lower the cost of electricity, provided that the transition and its risks are managed well.

The report also welcomes Ofgem’s decision to prioritise projects that are strategically necessary to meet the target, but warns that without greater skills, resources and a more strategic approach, the planning system will remain a key barrier to delivering the infrastructure needed.

The committee is now calling on the Government to publish key metrics for meeting the clean power target every six months, including the successful delivery of grid projects.

Chair of the Committee, Baroness Taylor of Bolton, said: “Time is already running out, and there is no room for complacency. The Government and the sector must ramp up their efforts to have a chance of success.”