Boris Johnson’s support for Britain’s “world leading” battery sector risks being undermined by government policy, according to the industry.
A coalition of trade groups and technology firms have written an open letter to the Guardian that calls for urgent changes to policies they say threaten to hold the sector back.
Johnson used his first speech as prime minister in the House of Commons last month to support Britain’s burgeoning battery manufacturing industry, which he said was leading the world.
However, battery makers and operators fear that a string of policy changes, such as the decision to increase VAT on home batteries from 5% to 20% from October, could scupper growth in the sector despite the increasing need to build a more flexible energy system.
The Renewable Energy Association (REA) joined Beama (British Electrotechnical and Allied Manufacturers’ Association) to warn Johnson that his words now require action.
