SSE backs creation of dedicated net zero department

SSE has backed the establishment of a dedicated government department for net zero to spearhead Whitehall efforts to curb emissions.

In its response to the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Committee’s inquiry into governance changes required to implement net zero, SSE says it would support the introduction of a UK government department for net zero to enhance cross-departmental coordination

“Wider systemic changes are required if net zero is to be a success, more specifically, the introduction of a government department dedicated to net zero,” the company said.

“There is a need for a government department with roles and functions centred around achieving net zero goals in order to account for short- and long-term priorities.”

Unless the government ensures “much greater consistency and collaboration” for net zero policy objectives, which the company said are “essential”, the delivery of the 2050 goal will be delayed.

While net zero may require “unavoidable additional costs… it is a price worth paying,” it said.

Given that many of the decisions and trade-offs required for the transition to net zero are “intrinsically political”, these must be implemented by a democratically accountable government.

But the response also stated that SSE “strongly believes” that Ofgem’s statutory duties should be ‘changed and strengthened’.

The regulator’s responsibilities and remit in relation to net zero should “explicitly articulated” as well as how its policies and decisions impact on the 2050 goal.

The secretary of state should issue Ofgem with a Strategic Policy Statement on the basis of which the regulator would set out how it intends to enable net zero and measure its progress.

SSE was joined in its support for a net zero department by Drax.

In its response to the inquiry, the Yorkshire-based generator said the establishment of a net zero department could be “helpful” in delivering on the UK’s long-term ambitions.

Drax also endorsed the Climate Change Committee’s recommendations that a net zero test for government spending, focusing on compatibility with the carbon cutting goal rather than cost, is the most effective mechanism to rapidly deliver on net zero polices.

The wake of the recently concluded COP 26 has seen newspaper reports that the climate change summit’s president Alok Sharma is being lined up to head a new department for net zero.