Yselkla Farmer, CEO of BEAMA, and other industry experts have reacted favourable to the government’s planned creation of GB Energy.
Yselkla said last week: “The establishment of GB Energy is a landmark decision, the first step towards reclaiming the UK’s position as a global Net Zero pioneer.
“The new government is hitting the ground running with bold decisions to accelerate electrification, boost energy security and reduce household energy bills. The electrical products supply chain, represented by BEAMA, is the UK’s hidden Net Zero champion poised to deliver and supercharge UK economic growth. But we cannot scale up overnight. Whilst commitments have been made today, immediate action is required to mobilise public and private sector funding for the UK’s low carbon infrastructure and supply chain.
“We look forward to hearing further details on the government’s plans for the necessary acceleration in development of electricity networks, smart metering and low carbon electric heat and transportation. The longer we delay, the more expensive it will become, leaving consumers with higher energy bills and greater vulnerability to volatile wholesale energy shocks.
“As a £14bn industry with massive growth and export potential, BEAMA is looking forward to championing the electrical products supply chain as an active participant in the government’s Industrial Strategy Council. By working together with our members and government, we can unlock the full potential of this green revolution, driving innovation, creating jobs, and securing a sustainable future for generations to come.”
The right principle
Grundfos UK managing director Glynn Williams added: “The announcement of the new GB Energy firm is an opportunity to fast track the UK’s clean power goals, and ultimately deliver cost savings for households and businesses across the country.
“While the beneficial effects of the clean power scheme are apparent, the government must simultaneously recognise the low-hanging fruit solutions already within reach to help cut energy bills fast, by focusing on providing energy efficiency. Lack of awareness around how to optimise heating systems, such as through hydraulic balancing or replacement of old circulator pumps, costs households and businesses a combined £3.1bn each year. In the coming months we therefore hope to see regulation and funding that goes beyond insulation-based improvements.
“The principle behind the GB Energy green power investment is absolutely right – the public and private sectors should work together to solve the country’s issues. Nowhere is this more clearly needed, though, than on the issue of energy efficiency.”