UK almost halfway to net zero, but hardest part yet to come – says KPMG report

Despite cutting total emissions, the UK still faces big challenges on buildings, industry and transport according to KPMG’s Net Zero Readiness Report.

In the new report, KPMG says globally the current incremental levels of change are insufficient to meet net zero ambitions by 2050.

In the UK, early adoption of renewables has seen significant progress on delivering net zero, but global challenges and the need to tackle the harder to abate sectors could see progress stall in the coming years, according to KPMG.

The research highlights how governments and industry across the globe must deliver transformative change on net zero but are currently hamstrung by significant barriers, including geopolitical tensions, a focus on the cost of living, and the need to maintain security of supply, whilst also delivering a fair and ‘just’ energy transition.

Through conversations with national climate change experts in 24 markets and across six economic sectors, the global report highlights those countries and sectors that are leading the charge in their progress towards net zero, and those where it is taking place more slowly.

The UK, despite almost halving greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions since 1990, still faces an uphill battle to reduce emissions on transport, buildings, and industry, says the report.

Collectively these three sectors made up 60% of all GHG emissions in 2022 yet have seen less progress than in the power sector. 

When it comes to decarbonising heating, as one example, the UK Government ambition – to install 600,000 heat pumps a year by 2028 – is currently not on track to be met by action. 

The actual installation figure is around one ninth of this target and lagging some of its European neighbours, says the KPMG report.

Similarly, while EV adoption has been strong with 23% of cars sold in 2022 being electric, progress on aviation and shipping is nowhere near the same level.

Simon Virley, vice chair and head of energy and natural resources at KPMG in the UK, said: “In many ways the UK has been a leader in net zero policies, with a strong track record on the adoption of renewables, significant progress in reducing dependency on coal, and high reporting standards for business. 

“But past achievements are no guarantee of future success, and we are seeing many other nations catch up on the technology and policies needed, creating greater competition for green investment. 

“Getting to net zero can deliver warmer homes, lower bills and a cleaner environment. 

"It will require a huge effort. But it also provides great opportunities for jobs and investment, which we will miss out on if we pull back now.”

According to the report the UK has recorded some major achievements on its journey towards net zero.

About half of the UK’s electricity now comes from low carbon sources, mainly renewables with some nuclear energy. 

Coal is a rarely used standby option and renewable generation continues to grow rapidly, shown by the electricity system operator National Grid registering a record low in Great Britain’s electricity carbon intensity of 33gCO2e per kilowatt hour on 10 April 2023, compared with quarterly averages of 400-500gCO2e from 2010-14.1 

The UK has also led efforts on requiring companies to report on climate risks and plans, improving transparency and encouraging action, measures that many other countries are adopting.

On an individual country level, the report said meaningful progress is hindered by opposition to measures that are perceived to have a considerable cost to people’s livelihoods. 

In fast-growing economies, rapidly increasing energy demand is triggering investment in both low carbon and fossil fuel generation, leaving certain countries, such as India, unlikely to reach net zero until 2070, while in China, coal consumption is projected to rise until 2025. 

Progress across different sectors is varied. Despite worldwide variation in adoption levels, the significant growth in the sales share of EVs is a global success story in how rapidly some sectors can decarbonize. 

However, within the international aviation and shipping industries, the pace of change is considerably slower and the goal of reaching net zero by 2050 hinges on significant increases in the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs), as well as government incentives.

Mike Hayes, climate change and decarbonization leader and global head of renewable energy at KPMG International, added: “Governments, businesses, and society should continue to pursue action to address climate change. 

“Further divisions between local communities and global interests are to be expected, but if we are to truly make meaningful strides towards net zero, at the necessary pace, while ensuring a stable energy supply, much greater focus is required. 

“This includes in areas such as the policy environment (both carrot and stick), technical innovation, and educating society about the transformational changes that are required in our consumption and investment behaviors.”

Click here to read the full report.