Net-zero targets are put at risk

UK Net-zero targets are put at risk as Battery and fuel cell strategy goes flat.

The UK House of Lords Science and Technology Select Committee has completed its inquiry into the ‘Role of batteries and fuel cells in achieving Net Zero.’ and the results are deeply concerning and disappointing.

The report concludes that actions taken by the Government DO NOT align with its ambition to achieve Net Zero emissions, nor do they take advantage of opportunities presented by batteries and fuel cells for the UK’s research and manufacturing sectors.

The Committee found that:

The UK is failing to make the most of its expertise in fuel cells and next-generation batteries, in which it could take a global lead.

The Committee was alarmed by the contrast and apparent disconnect between the optimism of Ministers about the UK’s prospects and the concerns raised by other witnesses who fear that the UK is lagging behind its competitors and facing significant challenges with innovation, supply chains and skills.

“The Committee was alarmed by the contrast and apparent disconnect between the optimism of Ministers about the UK’s prospects and the concerns raised by other witnesses“

Some of the urgent recommendations included:

Urgent publication of the Government’s HYDROGEN STRATEGY and related decarbonisation strategies, to give clarity to hauliers and bus operators
Establishment of research and innovation institutions for fuel cells, to exploit the UK’s expertise and support UK companies to take a global lead.