The head of Scottish Power, one of Britain’s major energy companies, is urging the next elected government to directly address the practical and bureaucratic obstacles hindering the UK’s green energy transition.
Keith Anderson, the company’s chief executive, emphasizes the need for ministers to tackle issues like skills shortages and lengthy planning and procurement processes that are slowing down crucial projects such as hydrogen plants and electricity cable development.
In an interview with the Financial Times, Anderson expressed frustration with the lack of progress: “We’ve had lots of reviews…lots of conversations. In reality, what has changed? Nothing.” He stressed the need for fundamental changes to streamline processes and accelerate project timelines.
“Colossal” Clean Energy Opportunity
Scottish Power, a subsidiary of Spanish energy giant Iberdrola, is a major investor in wind turbines, electricity grids, and solar panels across the UK.
Anderson, who also advises Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on business matters, believes the UK has a “colossal” opportunity in clean energy but needs to act decisively. He highlights the potential for reforms to the planning system and addressing skills shortages as key areas for improvement.
Sector-Wide Concerns and Ambitious Targets
Anderson’s comments reflect broader concerns within the energy sector about the UK’s ability to achieve its ambitious decarbonization goals.
The country is legally bound to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, with the current government aiming for a decarbonized electricity system by 2035. The opposition Labour party, currently leading in the polls, wants to achieve this even sooner, by 2030.
However, a report by Aurora Energy Research suggests the UK is “well off course” for both targets, emphasizing the need for “major policy and market interventions” to accelerate progress.
Political Responses
The Conservative party points to its track record of increasing renewable energy capacity and planned investments in the energy industry. Meanwhile, Labour expresses confidence in its plan to decarbonize the electricity grid by 2030, citing support from former chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance.
Anderson urges Labour, if elected, to focus its proposed state-owned energy company, Great British Energy, on less mature technologies and areas where the government can make the most significant impact. He stresses that while parent company Iberdrola is “incredibly supportive” of the UK, the country faces global competition for investment.