14 Sep 2021
Bim Afolami MP and the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Renewal and Sustainable Energy (PRASEG) hosted experts and practitioners from across industry and politics at world-renowned Rothamsted Research in Harpenden on Friday. Featuring a keynote speech from the Rt. Hon. Dr. Kwasi Kwarteng MP, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the conference sought to find solutions and strategies and share best practice as we work towards the Net Zero by 2050 target and in the lead up to COP26 in Glasgow.
Panellists from organisations including the NFU, the British Business Bank and Network Rail discussed integrated strategies for sustainable growth, land use and supporting SMEs as part of the road to Net Zero by 2050.
Bim Afolami MP, Chair of the Parliamentary Renewable & Sustainable Energy Group, said: “I believe the net zero transition can help catapult our economy into the new industrial revolution for the 21st century. The economic opportunities of being the first mover in the applied technologies of carbon capture and storage, nuclear fusion, green and blue hydrogen, ever improving battery technology, lab grown meat and many other things will be transformative for the UK. Our businesses, entrepreneurs, investors, government all working together can help the UK lead the world.
I would like to thank Rothamsted Research, all of our panellists and the Secretary of State for coming to the event. It was a lively and productive discussion and I look forward to continuing to work with Kwasi towards the Government’s Net Zero target.”
Tom Glover, RWE Country Chair, said: “As one of the UK’s largest power generators, RWE has a key role in helping to drive the UK’s progress towards net zero through its investments in renewables and other low carbon technology across the length and breadth of the country. The drive for clean energy represents a clear economic opportunity for the UK and RWE, with its clearly stated target of reaching net zero, is working with the UK Government to deliver clean, secure and affordable power supplies.”
Angela Karp, Director and CEO of Rothamsted Research said: “Food production generates around one fifth of our greenhouse gas emissions globally– yet agriculture also has great potential to sequester carbon though more sustainable practices. Our science and innovation at Rothamsted is helping to deliver on the ambition for UK “net zero farming by 2040”. So, we were delighted to host this this lively debate at our Harpenden site and welcome the Secretary of State for BEIS, Kwasi Kwarteng, and Bim Afolami, our local MP. Only by bringing together politicians, scientists and business in this way can we hope to deliver on the radical actions needed to combat climate change.”
