Tuesday 25 July 2023

National Gas CEO says net zero should be affordable

Net zero will come at a cost and we've got to make sure that no one gets left behind, said Jon Butterworth, Chief Executive Officer at National Gas.

In an interview with future Net Zero at last month's Big Zero Show, Mr Butterworth said it is important for the country to make decarbonisation affordable for all and gas is the solution.

Hydrogen and electrification are vital, but rushing decarbonisation will mean that small family-run businesses won't be able to afford high installation costs.

The boss of National Gas said: "If you're a family-run business and you've got a fish and chip shop in Manchester and someone says it's illegal to burn natural gas. They can't find a £115,000 to buy a hydrogen chip fryer.

"So we've got to think about what we're doing and slowly lean into it so everyone can afford it when they naturally change their appliances."

The best and cheapest way to reach net zero, said Mr Butterworth, is to repurpose existing gas infrastructure.

Watch the full interview for more insights.