Accelerating the transition from fossil fuels and securing energy supplies

Environmental Audit Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 31 Mar 2022 Closed: 1 Nov 2023 Parliament page
This inquiry will examine the Government’s policies for securing energy supplies and accelerating the transition from fossil fuels. Read the call for evidence for more detail about the inquiry.
25 Recommendations
21 Conclusions
1 Report
5 Oral sessions
6 Letters
5 Events
Activity timeline 18 events
23 Mar
2023
Report published
23 Mar
2023
Correspondence
5 Jan
2023
Report published
5 Jan
2023
Correspondence
5 Jan
2023
Correspondence
3 Nov
2022
Correspondence
12 Oct
2022
Oral evidence
12 Oct
2022
Correspondence
12 Oct
2022
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 16, Palace of Westminster
7 Sep
2022
Oral evidence
7 Sep
2022
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 15, Palace of Westminster
20 Jul
2022
Oral evidence
Oral evidence sessions 5 sessions
12 Oct 2022
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Panel 1
Jonathan Mills · Department for Energy Security and Net Zero Rt Hon Graham Stuart MP · Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Vicky Dawe · Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
7 Sep 2022
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Panel 1; Panel 2
Andy Samuel · North Sea Transition Authority Dr Corinna Abesser · British Geological Survey Dr Nina Skorupska CBE · The Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA) Dr Ryan Law · Geothermal Engineering Ltd Gareth Farr · The Coal Authority Hedvig Ljungerud · North Sea Transition Authority
20 Jul 2022
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Panel 1
David Bunch · Shell Linda Cook · Harbour Energy Louise Kingham CBE · BP plc Tessa Khan · Uplift
22 Jun 2022
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Panel 1; Panel 2
Charles McAllister · UK Onshore Oil and Gas Dale Vince OBE · Ecotricity Graham Kellas · Wood Mackenzie Jake Rigg · National Grid Electricity System Operator Sonya Boodoo · Rystad Energy
8 Jun 2022
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Panel 1; Panel 2
Dr Steve Pye · UCL Energy Institute Lisa Fischer · E3G Michael Lewis · E.ON UK Paul Spence · EDF Energy Silje Ask Lundberg · Oil Change International Will Webster · Offshore Energies UK
Title HC No. Published Items Response
4th Report - Accelerating the transition from fossil fuels and s… HC 109 5 Jan 2023 46 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
20 results
Clear
1 Conclusion Acknowledged
4th Report - Accelerating the tran…
The UK is experiencing its biggest energy crisis since the 1970s following major geopolitical instability...
The UK is experiencing its biggest energy crisis since the 1970s following major geopolitical instability during a year of worryingly extreme weather. Gas markets look likely to remain volatile for the foreseeable future and the UK remains exposed economically to … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the Environmental Audit Committee’s report and notes the machinery of government change and the contributions from various departments and the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA).
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2 Conclusion Acknowledged
4th Report - Accelerating the tran…
The UK has become used to reliable global energy markets providing a large proportion of...
The UK has become used to reliable global energy markets providing a large proportion of its energy needs. Vladimir Putin’s apparent weaponisation of gas supplies has shown that the physical accessibility of energy supplies remains a crucial policy consideration, at … Read more
Government Response
The government welcomes the Environmental Audit Committee’s report and provides context for the response, including mentioning the machinery of government change and contributions from other departments.
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3 Conclusion Acknowledged
4th Report - Accelerating the tran…
Whilst the UK continues to be committed to phasing out the use of coal for...
Whilst the UK continues to be committed to phasing out the use of coal for electricity generation by 2024, the Government has recently announced its intention to allow the opening of a new coal mine at Whitehaven in Cumbria. The … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the committee's concern and reiterates its commitment to phasing out unabated coal for electricity generation by 2024, stating that any decision on a new coal mine is independent from this commitment and follows established planning policy.
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4 Conclusion Acknowledged
4th Report - Accelerating the tran…
Climate breakdown threatens lives, livelihoods and infrastructure, and taking steps to ensure continued climate stability...
Climate breakdown threatens lives, livelihoods and infrastructure, and taking steps to ensure continued climate stability must be a national security priority for any government. The increasing frequency and ferocity of extreme weather events, floods, droughts and heatwaves which is manifest … Read more
Government Response
The Government recognizes that climate change and biodiversity loss pose risks to lives, livelihoods, national security, and infrastructure, and highlights its commitment to tackling these challenges through action and its net zero emissions target by 2050. It is also investing in climate adaptation measures.
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5 Conclusion Acknowledged
4th Report - Accelerating the tran…
Tackling the immediate energy security and affordability issues caused by the war in Ukraine does...
Tackling the immediate energy security and affordability issues caused by the war in Ukraine does not entail abandoning climate ambitions or putting them on pause. The energy trilemma can be solved by tackling all three issues together. There are many … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees that energy security and climate ambitions are compatible and that transitioning away from fossil fuels is the best way to enhance energy security. They highlight existing progress in decarbonising the economy and improving energy efficiency.
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6 Conclusion Acknowledged
4th Report - Accelerating the tran…
The Government acted swiftly to publish a British Energy Security Strategy following the invasion of...
The Government acted swiftly to publish a British Energy Security Strategy following the invasion of Ukraine and the resulting gas supply crisis. We commend it on its rapid response. The Strategy has some merits. Its ambition on decarbonising the electricity … Read more
Government Response
The government welcomes the Committee’s recognition of the merits of the British Energy Security Strategy and states that it sets out a comprehensive plan to boost energy security, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and accelerate the transition to a clean energy system.
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9 Conclusion Acknowledged
4th Report - Accelerating the tran…
Poor implementation has been a recurring issue for energy efficiency schemes for owner occupiers in...
Poor implementation has been a recurring issue for energy efficiency schemes for owner occupiers in England, which has undermined confidence among consumers and contractors. The Green Deal failed to offer sufficiently attractive loans to incentivise large scale take up. More … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the need for improving energy efficiency and states its commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and reducing the UK’s final energy consumption from buildings and industry by 15% by 2030 against 2021 levels through the Energy Efficiency Taskforce (EETF).
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13 Recommendation Acknowledged
4th Report - Accelerating the tran…
In response to the Committee’s report on Energy Efficiency of Existing Homes, published in March...
In response to the Committee’s report on Energy Efficiency of Existing Homes, published in March 2021, the Government said that it was considering what further action might be required to catalyse the market for a wide range of attractive and … Read more
Government Response
The government is prioritizing catalysing the market for Green Finance, citing the Green Home Finance Innovation Fund and the Green Home Finance Accelerator programme, and notes that the Energy Efficiency Taskforce will advise on stimulating investment.
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18 Conclusion Acknowledged
4th Report - Accelerating the tran…
On the supply side, we welcome the clear and ambitious targets that the Government has...
On the supply side, we welcome the clear and ambitious targets that the Government has set in the Energy Security Strategy for the roll out of low-carbon electricity generation. We are concerned that the Government is not doing enough to … Read more
Government Response
The government states that it will bring forward retail market reforms, that will deliver a market that works for consumers and supports system transformation. To achieve power decarbonisation by 2035 and support energy independence it will work across government.
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21 Conclusion Acknowledged
4th Report - Accelerating the tran…
As an island nation the UK has abundant tidal energy resources that could be tapped,...
As an island nation the UK has abundant tidal energy resources that could be tapped, yet tidal technologies received scant attention in the British Energy Security Strategy. We have been told that tidal range energy projects are now capable of … Read more
Government Response
The government welcomes the inclusion of tidal power in Contracts for Difference auctions and recognizes the potential of tidal stream and tidal range technologies to deliver a reliable source of renewable energy.
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22 Recommendation Acknowledged
4th Report - Accelerating the tran…
We welcome the inclusion of tidal power in Contracts for Difference auctions which has resulted...
We welcome the inclusion of tidal power in Contracts for Difference auctions which has resulted in 40MW of clean power from tides being awarded contracts. Tidal and other marine energy projects should be a vital component of the Government’s strategies … Read more
Government Response
The government welcomes the inclusion of tidal power in Contracts for Difference auctions and recognizes the potential of tidal stream and tidal range technologies to deliver a reliable source of renewable energy.
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23 Recommendation Acknowledged
4th Report - Accelerating the tran…
The British Energy Security Strategy appears to reflect a 20th century approach to energy security,...
The British Energy Security Strategy appears to reflect a 20th century approach to energy security, prioritising the construction of big, centralised power generation facilities to meet fixed demand. A move to a smarter, more flexible, digitally-enabled grid, which technological innovations … Read more
Government Response
The government recognizes the importance of a smart, flexible energy system, and that Ofgem has been working with industry to develop new grid codes and standards and it will bring forward retail market reforms to support system transformation to achieve power decarbonisation by 2035.
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28 Conclusion Acknowledged
4th Report - Accelerating the tran…
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has overall responsibility for net zero delivery,...
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has overall responsibility for net zero delivery, but the gaps in its British Energy Security Strategy suggest that it is failing to drive the departments responsible for other high emitting sectors, such … Read more
Government Response
The government says DESNZ and DLUHC work closely together, and they remain committed to meeting the net zero emissions target by 2050. They describe current building standards and the Future Homes Standard, and refer to the Transport Decarbonisation Plan.
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29 Recommendation Acknowledged
4th Report - Accelerating the tran…
In light of the Prime Minister’s confirmation at the Despatch Box to the Chair of...
In light of the Prime Minister’s confirmation at the Despatch Box to the Chair of this committee that he will personally drive cross-government action on climate change, we recommend that the Prime Minister directs the Secretary of State for Business, … Read more
Government Response
The government says that DESNZ and DLUHC work closely together on climate change policy areas and highlights the Future Homes Standard and Building Regulations. A Transport Decarbonisation Plan exists and will be updated within 5 years.
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30 Conclusion Acknowledged
4th Report - Accelerating the tran…
Vladimir Putin’s aggression in Europe, and the energy crisis that it has provoked, provides a...
Vladimir Putin’s aggression in Europe, and the energy crisis that it has provoked, provides a new impetus to accelerate the transition away from polluting fossil fuels. Driving this transition through greater investment in energy efficiency and low- carbon technologies enhances … Read more
Government Response
The Government agrees that accelerating the transition from fossil fuels and securing energy supplies are vital for enhancing energy security, protecting households from fossil fuel price volatility, saving public money and cutting climate-changing emissions.
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31 Conclusion Acknowledged
4th Report - Accelerating the tran…
During this transition the UK must nevertheless continue to be able to access oil and...
During this transition the UK must nevertheless continue to be able to access oil and gas to ensure that the country can continue to heat its homes, fuel its transport and generate a declining proportion of power. We have found … Read more
Government Response
The Government agrees that during the transition the UK must nevertheless continue to be able to access oil and gas to ensure that the country can continue to heat its homes, fuel its transport and generate a declining proportion of power.
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37 Conclusion Acknowledged
4th Report - Accelerating the tran…
Offshore oil and gas workers have many of the skills that will be needed elsewhere...
Offshore oil and gas workers have many of the skills that will be needed elsewhere in the economy as the UK accelerates the energy transition. It is vital that Government works with training bodies, unions and the industry to offer … Read more
Government Response
The Government recognizes the importance of a skilled workforce and is working with industry, trade unions, training providers to support workers to reskill, citing the North Sea Transition Deal commitment to create a people and skills plan, investment in skills and training programmes, and a Hydrogen Skills Assessment.
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42 Conclusion Acknowledged
4th Report - Accelerating the tran…
Oil and gas companies have understandably complained of the impact on the certainty of their...
Oil and gas companies have understandably complained of the impact on the certainty of their revenue projections arising from sudden changes in the fiscal regime applying to their operations. But these are exceptional times. It would be politically and morally … Read more
Government Response
The government introduced and increased the Energy Profits Levy (EPL) to address exceptional profits being made by oil and gas companies, and recognizes the impact on the oil and gas industry while believing it is necessary to ensure they pay their fair share of tax.
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43 Conclusion Acknowledged
4th Report - Accelerating the tran…
The original 65% tax rate under the Energy Profits Levy was lower than the international...
The original 65% tax rate under the Energy Profits Levy was lower than the international average tax rate of oil and gas producers (of 71%), so we welcome the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s proposal to increase this rate to 75%, … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the committee's welcome of the increase to the Energy Profits Levy and states the changes will bring the overall tax rate for oil and gas companies to 75%, in line with the international average.
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45 Conclusion Acknowledged
4th Report - Accelerating the tran…
The tax system should help, not hinder, the transition to a low-carbon economy.
The tax system should help, not hinder, the transition to a low-carbon economy. The original way in which the Investment Allowance was structured provided a perverse incentive to accelerate investment in high-carbon oil and gas installations at a time when … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges that the tax system should support the transition to a low-carbon economy and highlights changes made to the Investment Allowance to target investments that reduce emissions from oil and gas production.
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Government Response AI assessment · 45 of 25 classified
Accepted 12
Accepted in Part 4
Acknowledged 20
Deferred 2
Not Addressed 2
Rejected 5
Total 25 recs + 21 conclusions
Correspondence 6 letters
23 Mar 2023 To committee Letter from the Chair to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, regarding the Government response to the Committee's report on Accelerating the transition from fossil fuels and securing energy supplies, dated 23 March 2023
Parliament page
5 Jan 2023 To committee Letter from the Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, dated 22 November 2022
Parliament page
5 Jan 2023 To committee Letter from the Chair to the Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, dated 9 November 2022
Parliament page
3 Nov 2022 To committee Letter from the Minister of State for Climate, Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, relating to the 12th October 2022 oral evidence session, dated 31 October 2022
Parliament page
12 Oct 2022 To committee Letter from the North Sea Transition Authority Chief Executive, relating to issues raised at the 7 September 2022 oral evidence session, dated 23 September 2022
Parliament page
20 Jul 2022 To committee Letter from the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, relating to his withdrawal as a witness from the 20 July Accelerating the transition from fossil fuels and securing energy supplies evidence session, dated 20 July 2022
Parliament page