Accelerating decarbonisation of the GB Whole Energy System through governance reform
Research by the Energy Policy Group at the University of Exeter has been adopted into recommendations by energy policymakers to improve resilience in the broader UK energy sector, open market competition and better enable the meeting of the 2050 net zero target.
Issue
Energy use in the UK is responsible for 85% of greenhouse gas emissions (2018). With a legal target for net zero carbon by 2050, the UK whole energy system requires rapid decarbonisation.
The energy system is made up of three key elements: electricity, heating and transport. Meeting the government’s target of net zero emissions by 2050 (Climate Change Act 2014 and 2019) will require new governance frameworks and a move from the current siloed approach to a more integrated operation.
Approach
The Energy Policy Group (EPG) at the University of Exeter researches the necessary institutional governance changes to transform the energy system to a net zero carbon one.
Their Innovation and Governance for Future Energy Systems (IGov) research project (2012-2019) explored the role of governance in processes of energy system transformation, and how governance needs to change if policy goals for a net zero energy system are to be realised.
Other research by EPG has investigated the particularly limited focus on heat decarbonisation policies, issues of industrial opposition to change, and the failed Renewable Heat Incentive.
Drawing on this research, the EPG have developed a revised governance framework fit for purpose for delivering net zero, and which BEIS, Ofgem, NIC, and other stakeholders could use to evaluate energy system change proposals.
Impact
The EPG has been a major contributor to how the Government approaches GB energy regulation, facilitating a step-change in strategies to meet the 2050 net zero goal, improve market resilience and promote fairer consumer prices. The group’s research has informed and catalysed critical reform reviews and consultations by major regulatory bodies, including BEIS, Ofgem, NIC and CMA, resulting in clear recommendations and commitments for regulatory reform towards a fairer, agile energy system.
More information
Institution: University of Exeter
Researchers: Professor Catherine Mitchell, Richard Hoggett, Dr Matthew Lockwood, Dr Richard Lowes, Dr Jess Britton
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How to cite
Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) (2023) Accelerating decarbonisation of the GB Whole Energy System through governance reform. Available at https://rgs.org/acceleratingdecarbonisation Last accessed on: <date>