Ministers from across the government met with the Energy Secretary to discuss how they will focus on delivering the Clean Energy Superpower mission, based on ensuring the country has clean power by 2030, steering the UK towards its net zero objectives, boosting energy independence, protecting consumers, and supporting jobs across the country.

The first meeting of the Mission Board follows the steps the Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband has already taken:  scrapping the onshore wind ban, unlocking solar production, and launching Great British Energy’s major partnership with The Crown Estate, as well as budgeting £1.5 billion for this year’s renewables auction.

Ed Miliband said: “In an unstable world, the best way to boost our energy security and protect billpayers permanently is to speed up the transition from fossil fuels towards homegrown energy – making Britain a clean energy superpower. 

“As we move forward, our Mission Board will keep a laser focus across government on delivering clean, cheap energy to homes and businesses – but also on driving economic growth and creating skilled jobs across the country.”

Onshore Wind Taskforce

The new Onshore Wind Taskforce, chaired by the Energy Secretary and CEO of EDF Renewables, Matthieu Hue, has also met looking at how the Government and industry can unblock barriers to rapidly increase onshore wind capacity. This year’s renewables auction will see £185 million made available for established technologies, including onshore wind and solar, an uplift of £65 million. 

CEO of EDF Renewables UK Matthieu Hue said: “Onshore wind is already playing a vital role in the UK as one of the most cost-effective forms of new electricity generation but more must be done to unlock its full potential. By bringing industry and government together, the task force is focused on creating practical solutions to overcome barriers on our journey to achieving net zero.”

Mission Control

The Department of Energy’s Mission Control – headed by climate expert Chris Stark – has also been launched to turbocharge the government’s mission to decarbonise Britain’s power system by 2030. Complementing the Mission Board, this will be focused on accelerating the transition from volatile fossil fuel markets to clean, homegrown power by 2030 thereby boosting Britain’s energy independence.