In a letter to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the CBI has set out a series of priorities to decarbonise the UK economy and called on the Government to use a forthcoming Energy White Paper to “give more clarity on its vision”.

The priorities include: progressing large-scale nuclear projects and supporting innovative nuclear technologies, such as Small Modular Reactors; technology trials to determine the best localised solutions to fully decarbonise heat in homes, offices and industrial processes; a clear mix of incentives for consumers and businesses to buy electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles, alongside comprehensive nationwide infrastructure ready for future demand; and rationalising the tax and business rates system to ensure that green energy is encouraged, not penalised.

CBI chief economist Rain Newton-Smith (www.cbi.org.uk) said: “Business is right behind the need for the UK to have a ‘net-zero’ economy by 2050 and build on our global leadership in cutting greenhouse-gas emissions.

To deliver the Government’s net-zero policy by 2050, it is mission-critical that business, politicians and the public work together to devise and make the necessary changes.

“Firms want to see a whole host of stable long-term policies enacted — from building new nuclear-power stations to scaling-up carbon capture and storage technology and infrastructure — that send markets a robust signal: the UK is open for green business and is a world leader in tackling climate change.”