Jan 29, 2026

RENEWABLE ENERGY ASSOCIATION (REA) ANNUAL PARLIAMENTARY EVENT “RESOLUTION”

28 JANUARY 2026:

SPEECH BY TREVOR HUTCHINGS, REA CHIEF EXECUTIVE

 

Thank you:

  • Baroness Verma
  • Bill Esterson (Chair, ESNZ Select Committee)
  • Lord Whitehead (Minister of State, DESNZ)
  • Minister Martin McCluskey (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, DESNZ)
  • The REA events team

Ladies, gentlemen, distinguished guests.

 

OUR PROGRESS AS A SECTOR

We should be proud of the progress we are making as a sector.   Our industry continues to grow, public support remains high and the economics of renewable energy are now compelling. Over 50% of GB’s electricity is from clean sources and we’re soon going to see periods of the day when there will be no fossil fuels at all on the system.  We’re supporting nearly 1m net zero jobs, strengthening our energy security, improving air quality and lowering climate changing emissions.

We are the economic opportunity of 21st Century.

Consider this, for the first time ever consumers no longer need to be passive recipients of an electricity bill over which they have little control.  Today, they can become prosumers with solar and storage solutions, they can enter flexibility markets, enjoy discounted time of use tariffs, charge an EV for free, reduce energy consumption through better insulation and the switch to an efficient heat pump or other renewable heating solution.  When they put out their bins their food waste is going to make green gas and bio fertilisers, and their non-recyclables to generate heat and power.

These are exciting times and REA members are front and centre in making it happen.

 

HEADWINDS

Despite this progress, we face worrying headwinds: the fracturing of the political consensus on net zero and high electricity prices.  There remain acute policy barriers and we cannot take continued public support for granted. We must address bill impacts and ensure we bring the consumer and communities with us.

We must get better at telling our story:

  • Jobs
  • Economic growth
  • Price security
  • National security
  • Lower bills
  • Fewer climate changing emissions
  • Improved air quality

We might not always agree with our critics but must not ignore them either.  So, as well as continuing to hold the government’s feet to the fire, we are engaging across the political spectrum – we are staunchly not party political – and are working hard to find areas of consensus and common ground across all political parties.

 

THE REA

The REA exists to serve our members’ interests.  Our focus is on improving the policy and regulatory landscape so that our members have the confidence to invest.  We know that if we get this right we will grow the sector supporting our members’ businesses to thrive.

 

OUR USP

Our USP remains our expertise across the entire renewable energy value chain, from geothermal to wind, from biogas to composting, from EVs to flex and storage. This is about system change.  Technologies cannot be considered in isolation.  Technologies are converging and it’s vital we look across the entire system.

As well as being broad, we also have deep expertise in over a dozen technology and market areas. Combining that breadth and depth is a key differentiator for us.

 

REAL

What also draws us apart is our reach beyond policy advocacy.  Through our subsidiary company, Renewable Energy Assurance Limited, we are also a key part of the energy delivery landscape.  REAL is a wholly owned but independent subsidiary company of the REA. It operates 8 market assurance schemes across EVs, home energy retrofit, green gas, biofertiliser and composting.  With nearly 6000 market participants across these schemes, and with both organisations aligned behind a common drive for renewable energy and the circular economy, the REA Group is a powerful platform for our sector.

 

OUR INFLUENCE

We are proud of our impact over the past year in numerous areas. There are too many to mention here, but include:

  • over 50 consultation responses;
  • a seat on 5 government task forces;
  • the secretariate for 2 APPGs;
  • multiple ministerial and MP engagements;
  • We have made several mainstream media appearances, include on the BBC, LBC and GB News to fight for our industry.
  • We helped set up the Green Gas Taskforce to put the potential of biomethane on the map and helped secure an extension to the Green Gas Support Scheme.
  • We were awarded 3 bespoke projects delivering directly to the REA’s bottom line, industry growth and member value.
  • We were once again at COP as UNFCCC Official Observers and Pavilion hosts in Brazil, for the full 2 weeks, representing the sector, providing an events facility for members and building influence.
  • We helped secure reforms to National Planning Statements to enable easier renewables and clean tech development, and worked on grid reforms to speed up connections. We advocated for legacy policy costs to be moved from energy bills to general taxation as happened at the Budget.
  • The REA led to retain the end of waste positions for compost and digestate during the Resource Frameworks review heading off huge costs for members.
  • Our pressing resulted in powers in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill to mandate accessibility standards for EV charging;
  • We were instrumental in the new long duration energy storage support scheme;
  • For progress on landfill gas and a replacement for sites coming off the RO.
  • We have been running a salary sacrifice campaign to help consumers afford home energy retrofit.
  • Supported our biomass and energy from waste businesses
  • Launched a new data centre programme

The list could go on!

 

NEW MEMBERS

We are our members and have been delighted to welcomed several new members, to name a few:  Diageo, KPMG, Willis Towers Watson, Watson Farley Williams, Dyson Farming.

We have new Patron Members – our premier offering to larger businesses.

And we acquired the Geothermal Energy Advancement Association to bring new members and leadership to that technology; positioning the REA as a platform for consolidation at a time when the industry needs an effective and clear and joined up voice.

 

THE YEAR AHEAD

As ever, 2026 is already shaping up to be a busy year for the REA and the sector.

I will ensure we remain your voice into government; that we deliver on our strategy to make the REA stronger and more influential; and that we set out to win the political and public debate on renewable energy and the circular economy.

It is clear is that we’re in for a real fight in the run up to the election – lets be in no doubt.

But with a strong REA and our belief in what we’re doing is the right thing for the future of this country – we will prevail.

I look forward to serving your interests over the year ahead.

Once again, thank you for your continued support and I hope you enjoy the evening.