MPA welcomes publication of Skidmore Review

Mineral Products Association welcomes independent Review’s support for industrial decarbonization

THE Mineral Products Association (MPA) has welcomed today’s publication of the independent Skidmore Review of the UK’s net-zero carbon delivery by 2050.

The Review makes a strong case for government to generate certainty and confidence for businesses to invest in decarbonization. That is critical for the UK mineral products industry that each year produces 400 million tonnes of essential materials that underpin economic and social development.

The MPA responded to the Review’s consultation and also contributed to the Energy Intensive Users Group submission – making key points on issues including Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms, CCUS (carbon capture, usage and storage) clusters and dispersed sites, transport and planning – and these have been taken on board in the Review.

The energy-intensive sectors represented by MPA – cement and lime – will have substantial investment requirements in new technology, including CCUS and potentially hydrogen fuel, to meet net zero and the Review urges the Government to create the right conditions to invest in such technologies.

And for all mineral products – including the aggregates, concrete, asphalt and industrial minerals – the Review argues for a proper net-zero strategy for non-road mobile machinery, which would support the decarbonization of large-scale quarrying equipment such as excavators and dumptrucks.

Dr Diana Casey, director of energy and climate change at the MPA, said: ‘The report published today has acknowledged many of the key barriers facing our sector as it transitions to net zero and the actions proposed to start addressing these barriers is welcome.

‘It is now up to government to take up these actions and face head-on the challenges around funding, infrastructure and competitiveness so that UK industry has the certainty, continuity, clarity and consistency required to realize the investment needed.

‘The MPA looks forward to working with BEIS, the Treasury and other government departments on addressing these challenges and delivering the suggested actions.’