economy
The net benefits of net zero: why there’s more to renewables than tackling the climate crisis
Regardless of the environment, the shift away from fossil fuels brings an array of additional upsides, from technological innovation and job creation, to energy security and national resilience
TL;DR
- Decarbonising the UK's electricity grid has led to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, falling by over 50% between 1990 and 2022.
- The green economy is a fast-growing sector, creating well-paid jobs and revitalizing communities, with estimates of up to 300,000 skilled workers needed for network build-out.
- Renewable energy sources, once built, offer cheaper power and are not subject to volatile global gas markets, benefiting both households and power-intensive industries.
- A decarbonised grid improves national security by reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels, increasing energy self-sufficiency and geopolitical freedom.
- The UK net zero economy grew by 10% in 2024, employed almost a million people, and generated £83bn in gross value added, with average salaries higher than the national average.