In summary:

• Bold, coordinated action is needed to maximise the socio-economic benefits of clean energy, some of which is already in train.
  
  
• Focusing on clean energy supply chains where the UK has the greatest competitive advantage will be key. On carbon capture and storage, it’s important that the forthcoming Comprehensive Spending Review commits to funding the next phases of projects & stores, and the regulatory framework enables non-pipeline transport to maximise the significant trade opportunity for the UK from carbon shipping.
  
  
• Offshore wind is already boosting value and jobs across the UK – evidenced by RWE’s Sofia project. The Government should prioritise facilitating investment in the technology subsectors where the UK has the most comparative advantage as set out in the Offshore Wind Industrial Growth Plan report.
  
  
• No single project or developer can drive the supply chain investment needed to scale the offshore wind sector. The Government therefore has a particularly valuable role to play in facilitating long-term strategic investment in port infrastructure. We also welcome steps to establish a CfD auction schedule to improve transparency and predictability.
  
  
• We strongly welcome the steps being taken to accelerate planning approval of new energy infrastructure and, in particular, the commitment to review resourcing.
  
  
• Prioritising the most advanced projects will be critical to meeting the 2030 Clean Power target. We therefore welcome steps by NESO to fast-track grid connections for these projects. In contrast, relaxing the eligibility of the CfD to allow projects at an earlier stage of development without planning consent to bid would risk delivery of the target and have a potentially damaging impact on the supply chain.
  
  
• We welcome the establishment of Skills England and the Office of Clean Energy Jobs to take coordinated action to ensure we have a clean energy workforce fit for the future. In reforming the Apprenticeship Levy, we would urge the Government to retain use of post-graduate apprenticeships as an important route to bringing in people mid-career from other sectors.