This inquiry is both welcome and timely. Whilst the Clean Growth Strategy emphasises the significant progress that has been made in reducing emissions, the Committee on Climate Change has identified a number of areas where policy needs to go further.
Innovation in a range of low carbon energy technologies and systems will be required to meet future carbon budgets and the 2050 target. Government policy has a vital role to play in supporting the development, demonstration and commercialisation of these technologies. Furthermore, policies to support innovation could also help to meet the wider economic objectives in the Industrial Strategy, by contributing to the development of new industries and jobs.
This submission draws on research and expertise from UKERC. The submission includes some introductory points in response to the committee’s questions on the Clean Growth Strategy, followed by some more specific responses to subsequent questions on government support for low carbon innovation.