The ceramics sector has a crucial role to play in helping to de-carbonise the UK economy – but it has been largely ignored in a key Government-sponsored report, it was claimed today.
The Net Zero Review, published by former energy minister Chris Skidmore, highlights the greater role business can play in making better use of the transport network and more energy efficient homes.
However there is little mention of the vital importance of Energy Intensive Industries (EIIs) such as ceramics.
This is a “missed opportunity,” says the British Ceramic Confederation which points out that ceramics are key to success in the transition towards carbon-neutral by 2050.
“We are disappointed in Skidmore’s Net Zero Review as it is a missed opportunity to consider the importance of Ells within the net zero journey,” said the Confederation’s Chief Executive Rob Flello, pictured above.
“Ells must be the next big users of energy after homes and transport, and surely deserved a bigger mention in the review.
“However, it is the lack of understanding about the significant and central role that ceramics plays within the net zero journey that is concerning.
“Ceramics are key to decarbonising society and contribute to a net zero world by directly reducing manufacturing emissions and indirectly helping downstream consumers reduce energy and emissions.
“Without ceramics, the production of renewable energy is hampered as, without refractories, there is no steel for wind turbines and no glass for photovoltaic panels.
“Ceramics are needed for electric vehicle batteries. Without high temperature industrial processes, there are no durable homes or commercial properties. There is no heat from waste without advanced ceramics. The list goes on.”
The UK ceramics sector is supporting the review’s recommendation to the Government that it should develop a delivery road map for the scaling-up of hydrogen production.
“The ceramics sector needs support, so that it can free up investment to develop and deploy innovative technologies that are workable and sustainable,” said Rob.
