Moving to a low carbon economy

In 2008, we welcomed the UK Climate Change Act, setting a target for the UK to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050 compared to 1990 levels.

However there’s no doubt it’s an extremely challenging goal. Getting there will need a fundamental change to the energy infrastructure in the UK, through significant investment in low-carbon technologies. To encourage that to happen, the Government needs to establish a clear policy and planning framework that will encourage serious investment in lower-carbon technologies and new generating capacity.

Society as a whole will need to change the way it uses energy, too. Consumers will need to become more energy-efficient at home and at work, and embrace new technology – for example using small-scale renewables for electricity and heating. Again, Government needs to drive this change in behaviour through the right mix of regulation and incentives.

The part we play

In this section, we’ll explain the important part we are playing in the move to a low carbon economy. This includes our investments in new low-carbon generating capacity, upgrades to our existing plants, and the work we’re doing with our business and residential customers to encourage energy efficiency.