Net zero economy is booming 

Net zero is already one of the UK’s most productive and geographically distributed sectors in the UK. Recent analysis by Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and Energy Climate & Intelligence Unit (ECIU) shows net zero is now a £105 billion sector, supporting 1.1 million jobs and underpinning 23,500 businesses – surpassing the direct economic contribution of the UK’s entire architectural and engineering sector. Scotland is a particular hotspot, supporting over 105,000 jobs and representing nearly 5% of Scotland’s total economic output. 

Wind and solar outpace gas 

In April, wind and solar combined generated more electricity than gas globally for the first month ever. Fresh data from Think Tank Ember shows that together wind and solar generated 22% of global electricity in April, compared with 20% from gas. Combined wind and solar output is estimated to have grown 13% year on year across the globe.  

The public back renewables for energy security 

New polling across England, Scotland and Wales shows the public place higher importance on new infrastructure to boost energy security and cut bills rather than the visual impact of new projects. Just 11% of respondents selected visual impact as a main consideration for energy needs, with significantly larger portions of the public prioritising industrial competitiveness (39%), reducing air pollution (37%) and protecting existing jobs (25%). Another new report has also found that almost two-thirds (63%) of the UK public think clean power strengthens energy security.