Energy Net Zero: Giving you more of ‘Watt’ you need

It is no surprise that economic conditions in the UK complicate the ambitions of businesses when it comes to achieving their decarbonisation goals. But in a paper our research team released earlier this year, we found that despite increasing financial demands, net-zero targets remain a priority for many businesses. That doesn’t change the fact that energy prices are set to remain high and the level of government support for businesses is decreasing, so we know that businesses will struggle on this journey.

That is why we have recently dedicated a lot of time to thinking about how we can provide more value to organisations looking to decarbonise. This month we launched the Energy Net Zero Weekly publication. The aim of this publication is to take significant regulatory and policy developments, as well as valuable industry insight and distil this into a concise and easily digestible format.

For instance, we recently covered the Carbon Disclosure Project’s (CDP) announcement that just 0.4% of global businesses registered on their platform had a credible climate transition plan.  Credibility in this case is assessed by how many key indicators have been disclosed against. Some examples of these indicators include board-level oversight, scenario analysis, financial planning, and policy engagement. The relevance of these indicators varies per business, but this is not picked up in the assessment. Published around the same time, the New Climate Institute’s (NCI) Corporate Climate Responsibility Monitor 2023 report reminds us that building a plan around all 21 key indicators does not necessarily lead to a high integrity climate transition plan. Targets and indicators cannot be taken at face value. Looking at both the kind of commitments made, and the scope of emissions covered are relevant for establishing, evaluating or analysing climate transition plans at any level.

We draw out the insights from a range of market developments giving you a complete picture of what’s happening. If you’re an Energy Manager, CFO, or are in any position within your organisation which is concerned with environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) or the cost of energy, then receiving our research gives you the advantage of having cross-cutting analysis of recent events available to you. The benefits of decarbonising are clear. Decarbonisation, done effectively, can lead your organisation to be more secure and resilient, and reputationally better-off. Net Zero is not just an eco-project, it is an enormous opportunity for organisations to reduce costs, giving you a competitive edge, and attract investment.

Last week, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) released a survey of 1000 of its members. That survey found that just 8% had a full and comprehensive understanding of Net Zero, yet 79% were already making efforts to decarbonise. About one in five of those surveyed also held the view that adopting green tech would harm productivity. With our analysis, you can ensure your organisation is taking a cost-effective and fully informed approach to decarbonisation.

Our Energy Net Zero Weekly research covers a broader range of topics than our monthly Energy Net Zero publication, which focuses on a deeper level of analysis for the critical developments that have occurred over the previous month. This month, for instance, you can expect to gain insight into the success of the London Mayor’s decarbonisation plan, coupled with the Institute for Government’s calls to empower local leaders to be net zero trailblazers. The monthly publication is especially important for obtaining actionable insight that will give you a unique perspective, helping you cut through the complexity and understand the impacts for you.

Our publications are also supported by our Energy Net Zero Forum, hosted once every two months, and power bill forecast. We host our next Energy Net Zero forum tomorrow, on 23 February. It includes a guest speaker from the REMA team at the department formerly known as BEIS, as well as analysis from our experts on the turbulent non-commodity energy market, EBDS and the Chris Skidmore MP Net Zero Review.

Is your organisation equipped with the critical information to tackle net zero decarbonisation and the economic challenges ahead? For more information on how we can help your business, please contact me on d.tickner@cornwall-insight.com

Related thinking

Regulation and policy

Government Announces Record Budget for Contracts for Difference Allocation Round 6

The government has released the budget and reference prices, along with the auction parameters, for the upcoming Contract for Difference (CfD) Allocation Round 6 (AR6). As recently reported, there were considerable questions outstanding about the parameters which will be used in the auction and significant pressure was placed on AR6...

Regulation and policy

Two years on: How Russia’s invasion of Ukraine reshaped the UK’s energy landscape

Two years ago, on 24 February 2022, Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine. As well as causing widespread devastation and displacement, resulting in a humanitarian crisis, the ensuing conflict also had a wide range of consequences for the energy sector such as causing a structural change in European gas...

Low carbon generation

Battery storage in Japan: An up-and-coming market?

This paper includes exclusive insights from Cornwall Insight’s Japan Benchmark Power Curve. In this insight paper, we discuss the demand and challenges accompanying Japan's changing energy mix. Aiming to address whether, as the transition to net zero creates greater need and opportunities for faster dispatch electricity storage, could Japan represent...

E-mobility and low carbon

Paving the way: EV Country Attractiveness Index findings

Following the previous iteration of the EVCA Index, published in September 2023, the EV market has continued to grow across Europe. From October 2022 to October 2023, the EU, Norway, and the UK have seen a combined 29% year-on-year increase in battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales. Cornwall Insight have partnered...

E-mobility and low carbon

Driving growth: EV Country Attractiveness Index findings

Since the previous iteration of the EVCA Index, published in June 2023, there have been some changes to the electric vehicle (EV) landscape. The EV market has continued to grow with battery electric vehicle (BEVs) sales increasing across Europe. Cornwall Insight have partnered with law firm Shoosmiths to create the...

Regulation and policy

What’s going on with REGOs?

Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin, more commonly referred to as REGOs, are certificates issued to accredited renewable generators for every MWh of electricity they produce over a year period. The initial intentions of these certificates were to provide suppliers a means to prove the level of renewable generation they received...

E-mobility and low carbon

Charging forward: EV Country Attractiveness Index Findings

Since the previous iteration of the EVCA Index, published in March 2023, there have been some changes to the EV landscape. New countries have emerged as leaders in battery electric vehicle (BEV) growth while others have continued to develop their charging networks and maintain economic strength at a time when...

Home supply and services

Generation guaranteed: suppliers increase Smart Export Guarantee rates  

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), as the successor to the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme, offers payments to small-scale low-carbon generators for the electricity they export, with export rates and tariffs being set by SEG licensees. Since the new year we have seen notable increases and changes in the export rates...