Continued emissions reductions are celebrated, but the report, from the government’s statutory climate advisors, warns that rising aviation emissions and slow pace of electrification are at odds with net zero ambition. It calls for urgent reforms – including around electricity pricing – clear regulatory timelines and stronger policy tools.
Insufficient plans to deliver low carbon heating
Assessing the credibility of government plans and policies to deliver 2030 emission reductions targets, the report finds the credibility gap has reduced, but that significant risk remains.
There are, currently, insufficient plans for 14% of required reductions – with plans either completely missing or assessed as inadequate.
The key area in which this is the case is the roll-out of low-carbon heating beyond the assumed extension of the existing Clean Heat Market Mechanism and Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Assumed to continue beyond 2028, they only cover a portion of the required market, leaving a significant gap, the impact of which grows beyond 2030.
The CCC calls for stronger policy around decarbonisation of domestic heating including the report’s suggestion that from 2025, new homes should be disconnected from the gas grid, with gas boilers banned within the next six years – which have been met with a mixed response.
Conversely, calls for delivery of energy-efficient homes, a policy in line with the government’s latest Industrial Strategy, have been universally welcomed.
Caroline Bragg, CEO of the ADE, said “While we applaud the progress on emissions and bold steps on clean power, the CCC report exposes a glaring hole in plans for low-carbon heating.
“The Government must apply the same laser focus given to heat pumps to all low-carbon solutions.”
Optimistic
Despite significant remaining challenges, the report was “an optimistic one” according to Piers Forster, chair of the CCC, who urged further policy progress saying: “It is possible to meet our carbon budgets for 2030 and 2050, provided we take steps forward.
“It’s very important that our country steps up to deliver our commitments.”
With the net zero target having been under attack in recent weeks, from both Tory leader Kemi Badenoch and the Reform party, the unusually optimistic report indicates a level of confidence in latest green policy.
On target
- Overall emissions trajectory: The UK achieved its tenth consecutive year of emissions reductions, with emissions now 50.4% below 1990 levels
- Electricity supply decarbonisation: The most consistent emissions reductions since 1990; 2024 delivered a 15% drop in gas-based electricity, largely replaced by low-carbon generation or imports
- Coal phase-out: The last coal-fired station (Ratcliffe-on-Soar) closed in October 2024
Going well but needs to accelerate
- Fossil fuel reliance: While reductions are occurring, further action is required.
- Electrification: Adoption of EVs and heat pumps is expanding, but faster growth and scale are needed to accelerate the shift away from fossil fuels, particularly in heating and transport
- Energy pricing reform: Electricity is artificially more expensive than gas due to levy structures and this presents a major barrier to switching from fossil fuels. Government is urged to address policy charges
- Aviation emissions: A 9% rise in 2024; and now greater than the entire electricity sector. The CCC recommends that “the cost of decarbonising aviation and addressing non-CO2 effects should be reflected in the cost to fly”.
Promising trajectory
The 25 June 2025 CCC report finds the UK on a promising emissions trajectory, driven largely by electricity generation reforms. However, it emphasises a need for stronger policies to accelerate electrification, reduce fossil fuel reliance, reform energy pricing, and rein in the growth of aviation.
These are pivotal to ensure the UK stays on track to meet climate goals.
Image from stock