The Government believes that climate change is one of the gravest threats we face, and that urgent action at home and abroad is required. We need to use a wide range of levers to cut carbon emissions, decarbonise the economy and support the creation of new green jobs and technologies. We will implement a full programme of measures to fulfil our joint ambitions for a low carbon and eco-friendly economy.
-
We are committed to optimising energy from renewable sources. In the Spending Review, we announced over £200 million of investment in manufacturing facilities at port sites and technology innovation to support the development of offshore wind power and energy efficiency technology for buildings.
-
We are facilitating new nuclear power stations by removing unnecessary obstacles to investment, while ensuring there is no public subsidy.
-
We will continue public sector investment in carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology for four coal- or gas-fired power stations. We have already announced up to £1 billion of investment in one of the world’s first commercial scale CCS demonstration projects at a power station.
-
We will establish a smart grid and roll out smart meters.
-
We will create a green investment bank to finance green infrastructure, with £3 billion of public funds leveraging in a further £15 billion of private investment.
-
We have retained energy performance certificates while scrapping HIPs.
-
We will establish an emissions performance standard that will prevent coal-fired power stations being built unless they are equipped with sufficient carbon capture and storage.
-
We will refuse permission for additional runways at Gatwick and Stansted following our success in ensuring the cancellation of the proposed third runway at Heathrow.
-
Through our 'Green Deal', we will encourage home energy efficiency improvements for up to 26 million homes, paid for by savings from energy bills.
-
We will reform energy markets to deliver security of supply and investment in low carbon energy, and ensure fair competition.
-
We will give an Annual Energy Statement to Parliament to set strategic energy policy and guide investment.
-
We will work towards an ambitious global climate deal that will limit emissions and explore the creation of new international sources of funding for the purpose of climate change adaptation and mitigation.
-
We will push for the EU to demonstrate leadership in tackling international climate change.
-
We are providing £2.9 billion of international climate finance to help developing countries pursue low carbon growth and adapt to the impacts of climate change.