Businesses will not U-turn on net zero – Beama

Representing manufacturers of networks, smart energy, heating and ventilation and electrical installation products, BEAMA has over 200 company members from SMEs to multinationals who operate in a sector worth £13bn. The publications issued today demonstrate the expertise and needs of a sector that is critical to achieving the net-zero transition in the most cost-effective way.

In a challenging policy and economic landscape, businesses need more clarity and better investment conditions to harness the huge potential from the low-carbon electrification products on the market today. Our industry is making the progress it can towards net zero, but there are some ceilings only Government can smash. We need to make a market that leads to grid upgrades, a transition to low-carbon heat and transport, and works in the interests of consumers.

Concurrent with our campaign launch, a positive step has been taken with the recognition of the need for a supply chain forum in the Government’s new Transmission Acceleration Action Plan. BEAMA is delighted that our expertise and collaborative ethic has led to us being the organisation tasked by Government to bring this forum together. This group will be an extension of the Electricity Products Supply Chain Council, focusing on delivering a coherent approach to upgrading the transmission network. We look forward to working with industry and Government on this critical mission, and hope the approach can be replicated for other sectors.

While this is a good start, there is much more to do. Our publications highlight that:

Reaching Net Zero is only cost effective with energy efficiency.

• Most of the electrification technologies we need are already on the market - we just need to leverage them.
• Confidence must be given back to the investment and manufacturing communities.
• Businesses will make Net Zero happen, but some ceilings can only be smashed by Government.

We want Government to:

• Publish its promised consultation on reviewing the price of electricity
• Embrace the full range of electric heat technologies in criteria-based policy to harness the potential for demand side response and give householders choice
• Develop policies that reflect how technology, fabric and controls work together
• Review key underpinning methodologies including SAP and EPCs
• Take practical action to rectify skills shortages
• Accelerate and complete the smart meter rollout
• Introduce a Green Taxonomy for the UK
• Give clarity on circular economy requirements
• Create location-specific infrastructure plans and improve forecasting for network upgrades