ACE welcomes creation of a new Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

The Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) has welcomed the creation of a new Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Led by Grant Shapps as secretary of state, the new department has been tasked with securing the UK’s long-term energy supply, bringing down bills and halving inflation.

Ministers say the move recognises the significant impact rising prices have had on households across the country as a result of the war in Ukraine, and the need to secure more energy from domestic nuclear and renewable sources as the UK seizes the opportunities of net zero.

ACE chief executive Stephen Marcos Jones said: “The potential for ACE members to help deliver net zero is huge! Whether that’s in transitioning to green energy, retrofitting old and existing housing stock, building sustainability into new and existing communities ... the list is literally endless really.

“In fact, the construction and infrastructure sector has a vital role to play if net zero is to be successfully achieved on behalf of both this and future generations across the globe.

“So this new move certainly sends positive signals to industry that the government takes both the challenges and, even more importantly, the opportunities of net zero seriously.

“The Built Environment Sector is constantly innovating and finding creative workable solutions to the main challenges of our time, and is 100% ready, willing and able to meet the challenges and opportunities of net zero absolutely head on.”

Graham Stuart, Andrew Bowie, Lord Callanan and Amanda Solloway complete the new department’s ministerial team.

The reshuffle also saw Michelle Donelan become secretary of state for the newly created Science, Innovation and Technology department, and Kemi Badenoch appointed as secretary of state for the new Business and Trade department. She also remains as president of the Board of Trade, and minister for Women and Equalities.