Particle.news
Download on the App Store

IEA-Linked Study Says UK Net Zero Could Cost £7.6 Trillion by 2050

The paper challenges low official totals by reworking system operator data with market prices.

Overview

  • Analyst David Turner’s report for the Institute of Economic Affairs estimates cash outlays to 2050 at about £7.6 trillion, accusing public bodies of using unrealistic assumptions.
  • National Energy System Operator figures point to roughly £4.5 trillion over 25 years, including about £182 billion per year and around £585 billion for household heating switches to heat pumps.
  • The Climate Change Committee estimates a cumulative net cost of about £108 billion after operating savings, with most investment expected from the private sector.
  • The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero rejects the high-cost analysis, arguing that clean energy is essential to reduce bills and strengthen energy security.
  • Political and industry voices including Lord Frost, Claire Coutinho, Richard Tice, and Sir Jim Ratcliffe criticize prevailing assumptions, while Labour prepares roughly £13 billion in grants for home upgrades such as solar, batteries, and heat pumps.