SSE urges government to target net-zero power sector by 2040

SSE has submitted a five-point action plan to the government, aimed at putting the net-zero journey at the heart of the post-pandemic economic recovery.

In it, the company says that setting a new target for decarbonising the power sector by 2040 could be the cornerstone of any green recovery.

A report accompanying a letter to the prime minister outlines a “greenprint” for rebuilding the economy, including targeting 75GW of offshore wind projects, five carbon capture and storage, plus hydrogen power clusters, and accelerating the switch to electric vehicles.

It says “shovel-ready” transmission investments should be given the go-ahead and local area energy plans deployed.

It also recommends creating green jobs through energy efficiency and decarbonisation of heat projects.

SSE chief executive Alistair Phillips-Davies said: “This moment in time is pivotal on many levels, that’s why now it’s even more important to double down on climate action.  Coronavirus has demonstrated only concerted, focused effort can solve a crisis – and that goes for the climate emergency too.

“We stand ready to invest billions in the coming years and want to play a key role in the UK’s recovery. We are unashamedly biased in promoting practical, deliverable solutions that could help unlock this investment from ourselves and others.

“Our five-point action plan is focused on stimulating growth and investment to leave a legacy of a cleaner, more resilient UK economy for the future.”

The report says that opportunities to evolve electricity market design should be considered as part of the ongoing energy white paper discussions. SSE recommends options to consider as part of this include price floors or long-term energy contracting.

The full report can be viewed here.