The government's official climate change watchdog has appointed the head of an energy industry trade body to lead efforts to reduce UK emissions to net zero by 2050.
Emma Pinchbeck, head of Energy UK, will become chief executive of the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) from early next month, after four years at the helm of the industry body.
The former RenewableUK deputy has been appointed head of the government's 'Mission Control Center' on clean energy, a coronavirus vaccine-style taskforce aimed at delivering clean, cheap electricity by 2030. He will succeed Chris Stark.
Mr Pinchbeck, who was appointed to the role earlier this year, told the Guardian in August that “the changes can be quite scary” for rural areas that are more likely to have renewable energy infrastructure in place. he said.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said Mr Pinchbeck would join the CCC at a “pivotal point” in the UK's path to net zero, midway through a “defining decade to stop climate change”. said.
“Following her leadership at Energy UK; [Pinchbeck] “We are well placed to advise and challenge governments on net zero targets and ensure we deliver on climate change with ambition and urgency,” Mr Miliband said. .
He said Pinchbeck's “wealth of experience” in leading the decarbonization of the energy industry meant “how the economics of clean energy now align with climate policy to drive both environmental protection and economic growth.” He added that he is emphasizing “Is this true?”
Mr. Pinchbeck joined Energy in January 2020, months before the Covid-19 pandemic caused record energy market prices and wiped billions of dollars from the market capitalization of major energy companies. Appointed UK Chief Executive Officer. More than 30 energy supply companies went bankrupt due to the sharp rebound in energy prices in 2021. Russia's invasion of Ukraine in early 2022 further increased energy prices across Europe, forcing the UK government to intervene with subsidies.
Mr Pinchbeck said: “Energy is moving from the periphery to the center of economic policy and I hope I have played my part in making clear to the government the importance of our sector and the energy transition.
“I am excited to bring 10 years of experience and knowledge in the energy sector to the challenge of rapidly decarbonising the economy, delivering tangible benefits for the people of the UK.”
