The UK unveils clean energy program to cut GHG emissions

The UK government has unveiled plans for clean energy system, building on the Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution, which aims to cut greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions from industry, transport, and buildings by 230 MtCO_2eq over the next decade. The Energy White Paper, which backs the new program, targets generating emission-free electricity by 2050 with a commitment to deliver 40 GW of offshore wind by 2030, including 1 GW of floating wind. A UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) would be established from 1 January 2021 to replace the current EU ETS at the end of the Transition Period. The document foresees investments worth £1bn (€1.1bn) in state-of-the-art carbon capture storage (CCS) in four industrial clusters by 2030, £1.3bn (€1.4bn) to accelerate the roll-out of charge points for electric vehicles in homes, streets and on motorways as well as up to £1bn (€1.1bn) to support the electrification of cars. The government also plans to kick start the hydrogen economy by working with industry to aim for 5 GW of production by 2030. In addition, the UK government has entered negotiations with EDF in relation to the Sizewell C project in Suffolk, and may take a direct financial stake in its construction.