According to the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC), Rishi Sunak’s reversals on net zero have hindered progress on vital infrastructure required for economic growth.
Sir John Armitt, head of NIC, highlighted that major shifts in key policies have created uncertainty and slow growth in the UK’s preparation for its net zero goals. According to a report by The Guardian, he emphasized that the government can no longer avoid making vital decisions as Britain is lagging in the required infrastructure.
He pointed out that rail transport, flood defences, energy, water, and waste sectors all require infrastructure development in alignment with the country’s net zero goals. He also stressed that if Britain fails to get back on track, the consequences will be borne by the economy and other climate targets.
Sunak’s diversion includes postponing a scheme to boost heat pump takeup, which is considered to be the only suitable alternative for household gas boilers. The NIC believes that the scheme should be a top priority.
Also read: Britain’s home heating emission goals stalled by lack of heat pump uptake: report
There was a target set on rolling 600,00 heat pumps per year by 2028 so as to cover 7 million homes by 2035. However, the NIC discovered that the target was off the mark and a delay in deciding the role of hydrogen for home heating till 2026 added to the problems.
The report suggests that the upcoming government should abolish new connections to Britain’s gas network and place a ban on the sale of new gas boilers for household use by 2025. The report added that the ban should also be extended to the usage of fossil fuel heating in commercial buildings.
In addition to the heat pump rollout falling short, the lifting of the ban on new onshore wind farms has proven to be insufficient. The NIC found more areas that need immediate attention, indicating that the government is grappling with various challenges in achieving its environmental and infrastructural goals.
In addition, there is an urgent requirement for substantial investment in the electricity grid. The cancellation of the northern section of HS2 has left the north and Midlands without a comprehensive rail plan, which is impeding economic growth in those particular regions.
Water bills are anticipated to increase in order to tackle the sewage crisis, and the construction of additional reservoirs is essential to prevent drought, as water companies have failed to address leakages.
