New UK White Paper heralds transition to net zero by 2050

The UK government has set out ambitious plans to clean up our energy system as it transitions to net zero by 2050.
Building on the Prime Minister’s Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution, the Energy White Paper sets out specific steps the government will take over the next decade to cut emissions from industry, transport and buildings by 230 million metric tonnes – equivalent to taking 7.5 million petrol cars off the road permanently – while supporting hundreds of thousands of new green jobs.
The government said it will put affordability at the heart of the UK’s shift away from fossil fuels by boosting competition in the energy retail market.
Business and Energy Secretary Alok Sharma said: “The plan establishes a decisive and permanent shift away from our dependence on fossil fuels, towards cleaner energy sources that will put our country at the forefront of the global green industrial revolution.
“Through a major programme of investment and reform, we are determined to both decarbonise our economy in the most cost-effective way, while creating new sunrise industries and revitalising our industrial heartlands that will support new green jobs for generations to come.
“With this long-term plan, we are turning climate ambition into climate action - putting the UK firmly on the course to net zero to end our contribution to climate change as we build back greener.”
Hugh McNeal, chief executive at Renewable UK, added: “Today’s white paper provides greater clarity to the companies investing across the UK to deliver our net zero emissions target.”