Reform for decarbonisation

31 May 2023

Reform for decarbonisation

Utility Week's third report on the theme of reform tackles the gargantuan challenge of decarbonisation. How should financial and regulatory levers adapt to get net zero investment flowing? Will the water sector hit its 2030 target and how vulnerable are decarbonisation ambitions to supply chain constraints? Find out what Utility Week's taskforce leaders say.

In early 2023, Utility Week formed a dedicated taskforce, a group of industry leaders convened to guide Utility Week’s coverage and campaigning activities. Following input from this group, we have published three reports designed to capture the fundamental drivers for reform of market structures, regulatory approaches and policy frameworks to tackle challenges relating to: customer support, resilience and decarbonisation.


The other two reports in this series are available to download now using the following links.


This third and final report in the series is set against the backdrop of Government’s claim that decarbonisation represents a £1 trillion opportunity for British businesses in low carbon products and services, to be unlocked by 2030.

This is a narrative utilities must amplify and help bring into reality according to members of the Utility Week taskforce – including our strategic partner PA Consulting – whose concerns about an entrenched focus on decarbonisation costs rather than benefits in public dialogue are deep-rooted.

Other themes explored in the report include financial models for net zero investment and the challenges of keeping water decarbonisation on track as well as training enough people to do the work.

Use the form (right) to download our Reform for Decarbonisation report and find out:

  • Why we must reset the narrative about cost of transition and emphasis and focus on economic and health benefits
  • How investment should be prioritised based on benefit and value for money
  • Why setting intermediate targets for decarbonisation matters in addition to the ultimate 2050 net zero goal
  • How regulators need to adapt and create new financial mechanisms
  • Why there are concerns in the water sector that decarbonisation could be blown off course – and how it can be prevented
  • What wider concerns industry leaders harbour about meeting decarbonisation targets, including skills shortages and new housebuilding

Utility week’s Taskforce is made up of senior industry leaders convened to guide Utility Week’s coverage and campaigning activities.

Following input from this group, we have published three reports on the theme of reform which capture the priority actions our Taskforce says are needed in relation to: customer support and engagement, resilience, and decarbonisation.

Other reports in this series include: