The United Kingdom, a star performer in the energy transition
In the space of just a few years, the UK has introduced a number of reforms and initiatives to position itself as a world leader in decarbonization and renewable energies. Let's take a brief look back at the ecological reforms implemented in recent years by our neighbors on the other side of the Channel.
- In 2008
13 years ago, 80% of the country's electricity came from fossil fuels. The United Kingdom relied on the coal reserves it held on its territory, as well as the hydrocarbons available in the North Sea.
In 2008, the British Parliament passed the Climate Change Act. Its aim is to drastically reduce CO2 emissions by -80% by 2050.
- In 2013
As part of the energy transition, the carbon tax was launched to encourage the switch to low-carbon electricity.
- In 2014
To reduce CO2 emissions, we need to invest heavily in low-carbon energies, enabling us to source electricity from renewable sources.
- In 2017
The Clean Growth Strategy illustrates the management of carbon budgets between 2023 and 2032. The energy savings and efficiency budget amounts to EUR 3 billion.
- In 2019
In 2019, the UK Parliament added a target of net zero emissions by 2050 to its commitments.
- 2021
Today, sales of electric and hybrid cars are relatively low. Yet the UK is one of the European countries with the best sales of electric cars.
Following the Covid supply crisis, car sales fell by a quarter. Paradoxically, sales of electric vehicles are on the rise.
Today, electric cars account for 16.6% of UK registrations. Together with plug-in hybrids, these "green" vehicles account for 25.7%.
By comparison, France is at 5.8% and Germany at 8.4%, according to ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers' Association).
All these actions, implemented over a ten-year period, demonstrate the British government's objective of becoming the world leader in decarbonization.
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A flagship measure announced at COP26 by Boris Jonhnson
"We cannot go on as where are" ("Nous ne pouvons pas continuer ainsi"): these are the words of Boris Johnson at Cop26 in Glasgow, in November 2021.
In the fight against global warming, it is clear that the measures already taken are not enough. The British Prime Minister has announced new flagship measures for the energy transition: promoting the installation of recharging points.
A charging station in every new building
From 2022, it will be compulsory for new builds in the UK to have a new charging point for electric cars. These charging point installations apply to both homes and public places.
The new constructions corresponding to these new measures are :
- Dwellings, i.e. houses and apartment buildings
- Workplaces (offices)
- Supermarkets
The number of available charging points is currently quite low compared with the government's energy transition target. This situation makes owning an electric vehicle a complex proposition: how can you take the plunge if you can't be sure of being able to recharge your vehicle easily in the event of a breakdown? By multiplying the number of charging stations installed in the private and public sectors, Parliament's aim is obviously to encourage the switch to electric driving.
Charging stations in buildings with major renovations
Buildings in the private or public sector with more than 10 parking spaces and undergoing major renovations are also eligible for the installation of a charging station.
The British government is keen to expand the fleet of electric cars. It has set a target of 145,000 new charging points per year from 2022. The new law encourages individuals and businesses to install charging points in new buildings.
The UK is committed to accelerating its energy transition, calling it a "green industrial revolution". Through these new initiatives, the government hopes to gradually eliminate combustion-powered vehicles within the next few years.
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Towards a ban on the sale of combustion-powered vehicles in 2030
Prime Minister Boris Johnson wants to set in motion a green industrial revolution to encourage the UK to drive electric.
Indeed, it wants to maximize the installation of charging points for electric cars in both the private and public sectors. In addition, the UK government plans to ban combustion-powered vehicles.
By 2030, the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles will be banned in the UK. The government hopes to become carbon neutral by 2050. These radical new measures will significantly reduce CO2 emissions.
In France, new laws will come into force between now and 2030. A draft law aims to ban certain cars from sale by 2030 (for new combustion-powered vehicles with CO2 emissions in excess of 123 g/km). This is the first step towards stopping the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles.
In ten years' time, car brands will be offering 100% electric or plug-in hybrid versions. Although professionals are increasingly prone to electric driving, it will soon become commonplace for private individuals tobuy an electric car and have a charging station at home.
In the midst of its energy transition, the UK is aiming to be a forerunner and pave the way for new environmentally-friendly legislation in other countries by phasing out petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030, and rolling out the installation of one charging point per new building and for major renovations. It remains to be seen what the benefits of these measures will be. To be continued.
