Post: UK creates new Energy Security Department

UK creates new Energy Security Department

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has created a new Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, tasked with securing the country’s long-term energy supply.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero will provide dedicated leadership focused on delivering security of energy supply, ensuring properly functioning markets, greater energy efficiency and seizing the opportunities of net zero to lead the world in new green industries,” the statement states.

It will also focus on bringing down bills and halving inflation, ensuring the UK is on track to meet its legally binding carbon budgets and Net Zero commitments; helping the economy to grow by significantly speeding up delivery of network infrastructure and green energy; improving the energy efficiency of UK homes, businesses and public sector buildings; and delivering the Energy Bill.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is one of four new departments established by Sunak on 7 February. “The move recognises the significant impact rising prices have had on households across the country as a result of Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine, and the need to secure more energy from domestic nuclear and renewable sources as we seize the opportunities of net zero,” the statement said.

The other three comprise a dedicated Department for Science, Innovation and Technology; a combined Department for Business and Trade; and a re-focused Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Grant Shapps has been appointed Secretary of State for the new department. Shapps was previously Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is focused on the energy portfolio from the former BEIS.