Many other government departments have Science Advisory Councils already, but this is a new initiative at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and I’m delighted to be part of it.

Professor Julian Allwood

Science and evidence-informed policy will be at the heart of the government’s clean power mission and acceleration to net zero.  

The Council will provide robust, scientific, evidence-based information to support key decisions as we overhaul our energy system to reach clean power by 2030. 

It will also offer independent viewpoints and cutting-edge research on topics from climate science, energy networks and engineering, to the latest technologies and artificial intelligence. 

Their expert advice will allow ministers to access the most up-to-date and well-informed scientific evidence, improving decision-making and effectiveness of policy implementation.  

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: 

"Evidence-based decision-making is fundamental to the drive for clean power and tackling the climate crisis, with informed policymaking the key to securing a better, fairer world for current and future generations. 

"To give our mission the very best chance of success, the Science and Technology Advisory Council will draw on the knowledge and wisdom of some of the finest scientific minds of the nation – because clean power offers a huge prize of energy security, lower bills and good jobs."

DESNZ Director General Chief Scientific Adviser Paul Monks said: 

"Robust scientific research and evidence is vital to inform decisions, as we break new ground with the mission for clean power by 2030 and accelerate to net zero. 

"I look forward to working with some of the country’s most esteemed climate and energy scientists, engineers and mathematicians, to provide comprehensive and considered advice to government on some of the greatest challenges of our time."

Professor Allwood said:

"Many other government departments have Science Advisory Councils already, but this is a new initiative at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and I’m delighted to be part of it. Through twenty years work in the Use Less Group, we have gathered broad experience in whole systems analysis of emissions, materials and industries, and in finding innovations that help reduce save energy and material.  Alongside experts from across the country in a broad range of other technologies that might support climate mitigation, I’m pleased to have the chance to share our insights on deployment rates, demand reduction and innovation, in support of the government’s goal of accelerating the delivery of Net Zero."

The team of 16 highly esteemed academic and industry experts will be co-chaired by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s Director General Chief Scientific Adviser, Paul Monks, and Professor David Greenwood, CEO of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult at Warwick Manufacturing Group.   

The group will be commissioned for advice as required and will meet quarterly. They will assist the Energy Secretary and the wider department.