The UK is trying to decarbonize its economy by 2050 to meet its own legally-binding “net zero” target, and both Johnson and Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak have pledged to ensure the recovery from the coronavirus pandemic is a “green” one. The latest funding follows £3 billion of investment in insulation announced by Sunak earlier this month.
“It’s more important than ever that we keep up the pace of change to fuel a green, sustainable recovery as we rebuild from the pandemic,” Johnson said in the statement. “The UK now has a huge opportunity to cement its place at the vanguard of green innovation, setting an example worldwide while growing the economy and creating new jobs.”
The latest package includes:
- £139 million to cut emissions in heavy industry by funding clean hydrogen and carbon capture and storage programs
- £149 million to drive the use of innovative materials in heavy industry, including reusing waste ash in the glass and ceramics industry, and developing recyclable steel
- £36 million to develop new building techniques and technology that cut carbon emissions in the construction industry
- £15 million from the UK Space Agency, including £10 million for projects to monitor climate change
- £10 million for research and development in the automotive sector, to help companies make more efficient electric motors or more powerful batteries
