VISNET RESPONDS TO THE PRIME MINISTER’S ANNOUNCEMENT ON NET ZERO
Posted by: electime 22nd September 2023
Following Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s announcement on Wednesday 20th September that the UK Government is changing the legislative plans for achieving Net Zero by 2050, VisNet from EA Technology has responded by urging caution so that momentum in the essential process of decarbonisation is not lost.
One key change announced by the Prime Minister is an easing of the transition to Electric Vehicle (EV) adoption, with the date for the phasing out of new diesel and petrol vehicles pushed back to 2035.
Dave A Roberts, Managing Director of VisNet, commented: “While it’s encouraging to hear the Prime Minister assert that the Government remains committed to achieving Net Zero by 2050 and that overall targets will remain in place, it’s disappointing that the timescale for EV adoption has been pushed back to this extent. The 2030 target served to provide a clear signal to ‘nudge’ citizens, fleet operators and businesses in the right direction, and changing the rhetoric in this way de-prioritises this vital transition.
“Shifting the focus like this creates significant uncertainty for industry and energy network providers, while also risking potential job creation within this space. It’s important that we don’t lose momentum and jeopardise Britain’s position of leadership in the global decarbonisation effort.
“Therefore, we would urge the Government to consider introducing interim targets on the sale of new vehicles, to ensure the sense of urgency is maintained and to provide reassurances for both industry and network providers, so that they can continue to deliver reliable energy networks that are fit for future demand.”
The effort to reduce carbon inevitably requires a move towards greater electrification – from solar panels to electrical vehicles. This places a greater demand on the grid, which is likely to increase as wider adoption of renewable and sustainable technologies gather pace. VisNet works with network operators to ensure energy networks are optimised and resilient, to protect the energy supply of the future.
