THE CBI has called for incentives for firms to buy electric vehicles as well as saying the UK should build new nuclear power stations and scale up carbon capture technology to help reach the Government’s target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Britain’s largest business group sets out a series of priorities to decarbonise the UK economy in a letter to Greg Clark, secretary of state for business, energy and industrial strategy, calling on the Government to use a forthcoming energy white paper to give more clarity on its vision.
The CBI, which says it speaks on behalf of 190,000 businesses of all sizes and sectors across the UK , wants a mix of incentives for consumers and businesses to buy electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles, alongside comprehensive nationwide infrastructure ready for future demand.
It also called for the tax and business rates system to ensure green energy is encouraged.
READ MORE: Rural drivers risk being left behind during green vehicle revolution
It said priorities include progressing nuclear projects and supporting innovative nuclear technologies, such as small modular reactors, and that there should be technology trials to determine the best solutions to fully decarbonise heat in homes, offices and industry.
Rain Newton-Smith, CBI chief economist, said: “Business is right behind the need for the UK to have a net-zero economy by 2050 and build on our global leadership in cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
“To deliver the Government’s admirable net-zero policy by 2050, it is mission critical that business, politicians and the public work together to devise and make the necessary changes.
“Firms want to see a whole host of stable, long-term policies enacted - from building new nuclear power stations to scaling-up carbon capture and storage technology and infrastructure - that send markets a robust signal the UK is open for green business, and is a world leader in tackling climate change.”
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