UK electrotechnical and engineering services trade body ECA has welcomed the new climate targets announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson this week.
ECA Energy & Emerging Technologies Solutions Advisor Luke Osborne, comments: “I am delighted to see government taking the climate crisis seriously and leading the world with these new targets. The inclusion of aviation and shipping is a welcome move.
“However, the clock is still ticking. We need more action to match the ambition. The electrotechnical and engineering services industry is better placed than most to deliver the green skills and technologies that will make these targets achievable. But around 70% of specialist engineering services firms say they lack enough competent staff to undertake ‘low to no carbon’ work.
“We need a solid plan from government to give industry the confidence to develop robust training and invest in the skills needed to deliver these new targets. Otherwise, this latest announcement might be looked back on as empty rhetoric.”
Electric vehicle charge point installation will be a key area of low-carbon industry activity. ECA recently responded to consultation from the Government’s Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) on how to improve ‘the EV driver experience’ at public charge points.
ECA advised OZEV that card payment capability should be mandatory for DC rapid and ultra-rapid chargers up to 350kW.
ECA has created a set of resources and guidance for electrotechnical contractors to gain the skills and knowledge they need to make the most of new and emerging opportunities in the low-carbon sector.
