Thank you for contacting me about the use of fossil fuels. I note your comments in relation to the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.
I would like to assure you that the UK is committed to phasing out fossil fuels, but Ministers recognise that this is a transition.
I welcome the progress that the UK has made to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. In February 2024, it was announced that the UK has become the first major economy to halve its emissions, having cut them by 50 per cent between 1990 and 2022, while also growing its economy by 79 per cent. I understand that these reductions are largely due to cutting emissions from energy generation, through the shift away from using coal to using renewables. In 2012, for example, coal provided almost 40 per cent of UK electricity, but later this year, this will be zero.
Further, the UK is leading the way on cleaner energy, with renewables now accounting for more than 40 per cent of the country’s electricity, which is up from just 7 per cent in 2010. The UK is also a world leader in offshore wind and Ministers have a goal to develop up to 50 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2030. Currently, the UK is home to the world’s five largest operational offshore wind farm projects. More widely, I am informed that since September, companies have announced plans for £30 billion of new investment across the energy sector, including to advance green technologies and support green industries of the future.
Internationally, I am aware that at COP28, the UK pushed strongly for a commitment to phase out unabated fossil fuels. The Global Stocktake set a clear direction, with countries agreeing to transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems to achieve net zero in keeping with the science. However, I recognise that there is still a considerable way to go, and I am assured that Ministers will continue to push for further ambition in 2024 and to persuade other countries to join the UK on a net zero pathway.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.