RenewableUK welcomes Chancellor’s Budget commitments to cut energy bills, speed up planning system and remove hydrogen tax

Commenting on the Chancellor’s Budget announcements, RenewableUK’s Deputy Chief Executive Jane Cooper said:

“We’re pleased to see the Chancellor has supported our call to drive domestic electricity bills down by moving some energy policy costs into general taxation. It’s fairer, as it’s based on people’s ability to pay, so families on low incomes will benefit most. We also welcome her moves to make electricity cheaper for industry, as this will reduce costs for the energy sector’s supply chain and accelerate electrification, both of which will, in turn, reduce electricity costs, benefitting billpayers. 

“The Chancellor’s commitment to invest in measures to speed up the planning system, including recruiting 350 extra planning officers in England, is a timely intervention which will enable us to roll out vital new clean energy capacity significantly faster, strengthening the UK’s energy security.

“It’s exciting to see the Government approving two new freeports in Scotland and Wales. These are the latest examples of the renewable energy sector revitalising ports across the country by building centres of excellence. We also welcome the announcement of investment in renewable energy projects in Cornwall through a new local Industrial Growth Fund.

“We’re grateful that the Chancellor has taken up our suggestion to remove the Climate Change Levy from the production of green hydrogen, as this will encourage the growth of our innovative clean hydrogen industry and help to maintain our global lead in this cutting-edge technology.

“This package of measures will help our industry to deliver greater energy security and create even more jobs while ensuring fairness for consumers”.