Wednesday 24 February 2021

REA’s ‘green pathway’ could accelerate net zero and create thousands of jobs in the process

REA’s ‘green pathway’ could accelerate net zero and create thousands of jobs in the process

The Renewable Energy Association (REA) has published its new 'green recovery pathway', which it believes will accelerate the drive to net zero, creating new jobs in the process.

The ‘Strategy for Renewable Energy and Clean Technologies’ includes a range of key targets for the UK, including:

  • More than 50% of electricity generation must come from renewables by the end of 2022, with this figure reaching 100% by 2032.
  • Energy demand for the heat and transport sectors should be provided through renewable and clean technologies by 2035.
  • All bio-waste could be either separated and recycled at source or collected separately by the end of 2023.
  • By 2022, renewable power generation should become the largest producer of TWhs, facilitated by clean technologies.
  • Finance and Investment groups must begin to invest more in the net zero agenda and drive the corporate Environmental, Sustainability Governance (ESG) agenda, tipping the balance away from a fossil fuel-based economy by 2025.

The REA has stated that for these targets to become achievable, there must be a clearer route to market in place, as well as a sufficient grid network and wide range of technologies.

It has estimated that this green recovery could generate 200,000 new jobs by 2035 if it is given the right support.

Dr Nina Skorupska, Chief Executive of the REA, has expressed the determination and hard work it will take to achieve the aims, stating: “The change required over the next three decades is on a par to that experienced during the industrial revolution; affecting people’s homes, businesses and the very fabric of the nation."

She went on to add: “With COP26 on the horizon, the government has an opportunity to make a bold statement. This strategy not only sets out several necessary and achievable targets but it also provides the solutions to removing the barriers which could prevent those targets being met.

“It is now abundantly clear that the argument of an ‘either/or’ choice between tackling climate change and providing an economic boost is over. Support for the renewable energy and clean technology sector will not only help the government reach its net zero ambitions, but it could deliver hundreds of thousands of new jobs and return billions of pounds worth of investment too.”

Written by

Bruna Pinhoni

Trending Articles