Industrial sites should be supported to explore electrification as the first choice route to decarbonisation. Electrification is more efficient and more widely available than carbon capture and storage (CCS) and clean hydrogen. CCS and hydrogen should only be used in circumstances where electrification is unsuitable, and where they are likely to be low cost and available locally as part of an industrial cluster.

UK industry’s electricity costs are 24 per cent higher than the EU average. This, combined with long waiting times for grid connection upgrades, means that electrification is not appealing for many industrial sites.

The government conducted a call for evidence on electrification in autumn 2023. Momentum should be maintained, and the new government should quickly outline how it will support industry to electrify.