Energy efficiency and the environment ‘missing in Budget’

Jeremy Hunt

In last week’s Budget the Chancellor of the Exchequer said he wanted to focus on four ‘E’s – enterprise, employment, education and everywhere.  But Midlands green expert Ron Fox pointed out that Jeremy Hunt missed two other important ‘E’s which could have helped all the other four out – the environment and energy efficiency.

“If he focused on those as well, the Chancellor could show he was supporting people through the energy and cost of living crises, at the same time as taking action on the climate crisis and helping our long-term energy security,” said Ron, of Noreus Ltd on the University of Keele Science Innovation Park.

He said there were missed opportunities in the Budget to support the more established and inexpensive clean energy technologies, such as solar and wind power. Also, Jeremy Hunt could have lifted the ban on onshore wind in England, helped insulate our buildings and homes and electrified our heating systems.

On the environment, the green expert said he was disappointed there was no commitment to clean up our sewage-filled rivers because failing to protect our countryside could also have a detrimental effect on our economy.

But Ron was pleased that the Chancellor was extending the energy bill support for households and would launch a dozen low tax economic areas to focus on technology, manufacturing and green industries.

The energy price guarantee has been extended for three months keeping the typical household gas and electricity bill at £2,500 a year. It had been due to rise to £3,000 a year from next month. There will also be support for millions of customers on pre-payment meters with tariffs brought in line with those on standard meters saving them an average of £45 a year.

Four low-tax economic zones, which businesses will be able to claim targeted tax reliefs for taking part, are planned for each of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland while the other four will be in the Midlands and the North of England.

Ron said he was interested in the up to £20 billion to be allocated to support the development of carbon capture and storage projects. This is where technology extracts carbon dioxide (CO2) from industrial processes before it is emitted into the atmosphere. It is then stored underground where it can remain undisturbed for thousands of years.

The Chancellor said this fund would support up to 50,000 jobs, attract private sector investment and help capture 20 to 30 million tonnes of CO2 per year by 2030.

“It seems a good idea, but I have reservations that nuclear power will be classed as ‘environmentally sustainable’,” said Ron.

He concluded: “My final concern is whether this budget has done enough to stop the UK falling behind the USA and the EU, which have offered generous new green subsidy programmes, in the race to secure investment in the rapidly-growing clean energy markets.”

If you want any advice on green energy solutions, contact Ron on 0845 474 6641.