In his speech this morning at the Dudley College of Technology, the Prime Minister has committed to building back better and building back greener to support the UK economy as the country eases out of lockdown.
Following the Prime Minister's speech, David Smith, Energy Networks Association Chief Executive, said:
“We welcome the Prime Minister’s ambition to drive a sustainable economic revival and his commitment to a ‘New Deal’ national infrastructure plan. Our members are the very “industries and infrastructure that can turn the tide on climate change” which he previously described when setting out his ambitions for the green recovery, and they are foundational to almost every aspect of this transition.
"The energy networks will provide the ‘smart’ backbone to the national uptake of electric vehicles, a fully flexible energy system, the shift to a hydrogen economy and the decarbonisation of heavy industry. They are also uniquely placed to develop these projects and deploy investment almost immediately, increasing employment opportunities in traditional and future-facing jobs, if the right investment frameworks are in place.
"Speed is of the essence in our fights against Coronavirus and climate change, and it’s a speed which the energy networks stand poised with, ready for action on net zero whilst ensuring energy customers enjoy a fairer, greener future.”
Press contacts for journalists
Joshua Atkins
Head of Public Affairs
Energy Networks Association
+44 (0)7436 142086
joshua.atkins@energynetworks.org
ENA Press Office
About Energy Networks Association
Energy Networks Association (ENA) is the industry body representing the electricity wires, gas pipes and energy system in the UK and Ireland.
ENA helps its members meet the challenge of delivering electricity and gas to communities across the UK and Ireland safely, sustainably and reliably.
Its members include every major electricity and gas network operator in the UK and Ireland, independent operators, National Grid ESO which operates the electricity system in Great Britain and National Gas which operates the gas system in Great Britain. Its affiliate membership also includes companies with an interest in energy, including Heathrow Airport and Network Rail.
What are energy network operators?
Energy network operators manage and maintain the wires, pipes and other infrastructure which delivers electricity and gas to your home, business and community. They are private companies which are regulated by Ofgem and employ around 40,000 people in Great Britain.