Responding to the report, EEF, the manufacturers' organisation believes that it lays down the gauntlet to government to back this with leadership and develop a low carbon energy policy. This should integrate environmental, economic and industrial objectives and help business maximise the opportunities from a low carbon economy
EEF also welcomed the increased emphasis on the contribution that the domestic and transport sectors must make to reducing emissions. This provides the basis for a more balanced policy which previously placed too much of the burden on industry.
Commenting, Gilbert Toppin, EEF Chief Executive, said:
"Industry supports the UK’s emission reduction targets and, given the contribution the sector has already made, welcomes the increased emphasis on other sectors of the economy. This report is a realistic assessment of how the UK's targets can be met. It is now down to government to back it with strong leadership and a proactive strategy to get us there.
EEF also believes the report provides a once in a lifetime opportunity for the UK to not just change the behaviour of households, but take advantage of the business opportunities available from a low carbon economy.
Gilbert Toppin added:
"Climate change is a science and engineering problem and therefore Industry will be the solution to the issues we face rather than the cause. It is now or never if we are to take advantage of the massive opportunities available and we need far bolder policies to force feed the development of new technologies."
EEF added however, that there were still a number of unanswered questions about the Budgets
1. Whether the UK has the capacity to build and install renewable wind power generation between now and 2020
2. The lack of standby electricity generation capacity
3. When it would be prudent for the Government to shift to higher targets if international targets are agreed
ENDS