The Prime Minister has set out his 10-point plan designed to set the UK on a course to hit net zero emissions by 2050.
David Smith, Chief Executive at Energy Networks Association which represents the UK and Ireland’s energy networks businesses said:
“The Prime Minister’s ambitious plan brings together the key elements that will help us to take effective climate action and deliver a green economic recovery. We not only welcome the plans to turbocharge the roll-out of electric vehicles, level-up offshore wind, and commit to a hydrogen bonanza, but look forward to delivering them - supporting skilled, green jobs and cutting the country's emissions at best value and least disruption to the public.”
Press contacts for journalists
Peter Kocen
Senior Press and Public Affairs Manager
+44 (0)7792 220 974
peter.kocen@energynetworks.org
ENA Press Office
Notes to editor
Energising a hydrogen economy
- ENA’s Gas Goes Green programme will deliver the world’s first zero-carbon gas grid, helping meet the UK’s net zero carbon emissions target. Bringing together the engineering expertise of Britain’s five gas network companies with the wider energy industry, policymakers, and academics. The programme will make the changes needed to move Britain's gas network infrastructure from delivering methane-based natural gas to zero carbon hydrogen and biomethane.
- Read more about how hydrogen blending will be an important part of kick-starting the growth of a world-leading hydrogen economy here in the UK.
Preparing the gas grid for hydrogen
- A programme of replacing old iron pipes with new plastic ones has already reduced emissions by more than a fifth (22.4%) since it began in 2014, the equivalent of taking 179,123 cars off the road.
- By 2032, if investment plans are approved by Ofgem, the energy regulator, emissions will further drop by more than half (55.6%), the equivalent to taking a further 347,310 cars off the road since 2020.
- In total, between 2014 and 2032 the programme will have invested £28bn in creating a hydrogen-ready gas grid in towns, villages and communities across the country.
- By 2032, the programme will have achieved a 66 percent reduction in CO2 equivalent emissions from the gas grid.
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.