Humber MP Graham Stuart has delivered his first speech as Climate Minister.
Appointed to the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy role in Liz Truss’s new government, the Beverley and Holderness representative addressed the Global Clean Energy Action Forum in Pittsburgh, USA, re-affirming the country’s Net Zero commitments.
And he was quick to reference the region’s role, highlighting Hornsea Two’s world-leading status in offshore wind, having recently been fully commissioned by Orsted - a business now active Stateside too.
Read more: Humber MP gets climate role in Prime Minister Liz Truss' new government
Mr Stuart said: “Nearly a year ago at COP 26 the then Prince of Wales, now our new King Charles III, implored the world to act – and act fast.
“Today, over 90 per cent of global GDP is covered by some form of net zero target, up from just 30 per cent when we first took on the COP Presidency. But targets are all well and good. The big question is how we deliver on them.
“The UK has always been a clean energy leader. We were among the first to make a legislative commitment to net-zero and I want to reaffirm my government’s commitment to deliver on that.
“We intend to get to carbon neutrality in the most efficient and business friendly way possible.
Just recently the world’s largest offshore wind farm opened off the coast of Yorkshire, where my own constituency is. We’ve got the kit; we’ve got the capability. But we know that unilateral action is not enough. To meet our goals, we must harness the full power of collective action.
“That’s why, at COP26, 45 world leaders launched the Breakthrough Agenda. A commitment to strengthen international collaboration, so that clean technologies become the most affordable and attractive option in all regions by 2030. I am thrilled that this agenda will continue under the Clean Energy Ministerial and Mission Innovation after COP27.”
Thanking the report’s authors for their clear analysis and firm recommendations for “urgent coordinated international action,” he picked out four key areas - underlining the importance of shared standards, be it for steel sustainability or battery supply chains; market creation aided by clear policy signals - something the British Chambers of Commerce has called for at home, with Director General Shevaun Haviland speaking in his neighbourig constituency last week; research, development and demonstration and ensuring a collective offer of assistance to the ‘Global South’.
On research,development and demonstration, Mr Stuart stressed the importance of coordinating efforts to deliver transformational projects that showcase innovations, and confirmed a UK contribution of £1.5 billion to the US-led global Clean Energy Technologies Demonstration Challenge.
The former Foreign Minister praised Pittsburgh as a city that is a “shining example of re-invention and innovation,” adding: “The UK looks forward to working with you all to turn clean energy ambition into action.”
Read next:
Hydrogen, carbon capture and offshore wind - all Humber infrastructure Chancellor aims to accelerate
Zero emissions vessel concept for wind farm industry unveiled by long-term operator
Fixed prices for older offshore wind backed by industry to reduce exposure to gas-led cost hikes
North Sea gas platform could become designated nesting site to aid offshore wind development
All your Humber business news in one place - bookmark it now
