The broad support available through the EBDS encompasses most of the products manufactured by MPA member including aggregates, asphalt, cement, concrete and industrial minerals. However, MPA says the proposed support may not be sufficient to maintain the competitiveness of UK manufacturing should prices return to the high volatility observed over the last 12 months.
For energy-intensive mineral products like cement and lime, tackling high energy prices is critical. These sectors compete in international markets, and Government support is vital to ensure high energy costs don’t render UK producers uncompetitive, which can lead to an increase in imports, a reduction in domestic production, and the associated loss of jobs and the sector’s economic contribution.
However, while energy prices are expected to remain high for the foreseeable future, the EBDS is only relatively short-term and could leave the mineral products industry exposed if price fluctuations continue. A longer-term solution, through the delivery of the commitments set out in Britain’s Energy Security Strategy, is required to properly address high UK energy costs.
Jon Prichard, MPA Chief Executive, said: “The announcement of ongoing Government support is welcome, but there is still a risk that in the event of highly volatile prices, MPA members could remain exposed to high energy costs. As such, this support package provides only a partial, short-term fix. We call on the Government to deliver the electricity market reforms promised in the British Energy Security Strategy as a matter of priority. Electrification is a key driver to decarbonise UK industry, and the transition to net zero will rely on long-term secure supplies of competitively priced electricity. MPA believes that fundamental electricity market reform is the only way to ensure this is achieved.”
