As the new chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to announce billions of pounds worth of cuts; we catch up with Dave Robson, CEO of InstaGroup, to take a closer look at the energy industry and how our new government will affect us now and longer term, along with how InstaGroup will be part of the country’s drive for Net-Zero.
How do you believe a change in government will affect the energy industry?
The new Government have only been in post for a few weeks but already the signs are there that are positive for our industry. By removing the ban on onshore wind, there was a real statement of intent that the Government will support the most economically viable forms of energy generation and not put artificial barriers in place. This was followed up with a statement around a rooftop solar revolution which will be a vital part of the future energy mix. On energy efficiency, there are already a number of schemes in place for at least the next couple of years. It is important that the Government match their ambition by providing industry with insight into their longer-term plans so we can plan. It is clear that we need to increase activity across the board but industry needs to do that within the broader Government framework so this investment can be delivered at the appropriate time and scale. However, the new Government has already provided some much needed stability to the sector and this has helped to restore confidence within the wider energy industry.
What are your thoughts on Great British Energy?
Great British Energy has been set-up to support the government’s aim of decarbonising our electricity system by 2030. Whilst there is still more detail needed on Great British Energy, I have been encouraged that there is going to be much needed investment in helping to deliver the energy transition to Net-Zero and that the intention is for Great British Energy to work with the private sector to deliver.
Our previous government pushed back on legislation to achieve the UK’s energy goals, are we ready to move forward and have clean power by 2030?
Absolutely. The previous scaling back of ambition was unhelpful and damaged confidence across the sector. The Government’s recent announcements have helped to restore that trust, but it is important to maintain that momentum. The appointment of Chris Stark, one of the leading experts on Net-Zero energy, as the new head of mission control is a very welcome move. He knows what the challenges are and importantly the pace of change required. This insight will be instrumental if Government and the wider industry are going to deliver on the change required to fulfil the ambition of clean power by 2030.
How can InstaGroup support the government to achieve energy independence and reduce energy bills?
InstaGroup have been delivering energy efficiency at scale for the past 40 years and will play an important role in helping Government to achieve energy independence. Our in-house expertise with government funding along with our nationwide supply and installation capabilities has enabled us to be in a position to lead the drive to Net-Zero in the UK by 2030. Our new InstaGen integrated solar and storage solution is an example of us leading the way in providing consumers with trusted solutions that last, whilst giving them the insight and control over their energy use.