Department of climate change

DECC – who we are

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) was created in October 2008, to bring together:

1. Energy policy (previously with BERR, which is now BIS - the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills), and
2. Climate change mitigation policy (previously with Defra - the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs).

Climate change is not only a massive threat to the global environment, it is also perhaps the greatest economic challenge facing us in the twenty-first century. It demands an urgent and radical response across the developed and developing world. Its importance to the UK economy is reflected in the creation of a cabinet post dedicated to energy and climate change.

At the same time, the UK needs to secure clean, safe, affordable energy to heat and power our homes and businesses. Creating a low carbon and resource efficient world means making major structural changes to the way we work and live, including how we source, manage and use our energy.

DECC exists to take the lead in tackling these challenges.

What DECC does:

DECC reflects the fact that climate change and energy policies are inextricably linked – two thirds of our emissions come from the energy we use. Decisions in one field cannot be made without considering the impacts in the other.

DECC's 7 Departmental Strategic Objectives are:

1. Secure global commitments which prevent dangerous climate change 
2. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the UK 
3. Ensure secure energy supplies 
4. Promote fairness through our climate and energy policies at home and abroad
5. Ensure the UK benefits from the business and employment opportunities of a low carbon future 
6. Manage energy liabilities effectively and safely 
7. Develop the Department’s capability, delivery systems and relationships so that we serve the public effectively

Visit www.decc.gov.uk

Office for Renewable Energy Deployment

 
Office for Renewable Energy Deployment (ORED) sits within DECC and has a  mission to “accelerate the deployment of renewable energy in order to reduce carbon emissions, increase energy security and create business opportunities in the UK”.
 
ORED is responsible for taking forward the commitments the UK's Renewable Energy Strategy, published in July 2009. This work includes: 

Putting in place appropriate financial incentives to support the take-up of renewable energy, including reform of the Renewables Obligation; introducing Feed-in-Tariffs for small-scale electricity; and a new Renewable Heat Incentive;
Overcoming the non-financial barriers to the deployment of wind and other technologies, including supporting reforms to ensure an effective planning system is in place at a local and regional level;

Promoting the use of sustainable bio-energy;

Supporting the cost-effective deployment of wave and tidal technologies, including taking forward the feasibility study on Severn Tidal Power;

Overcoming supply chain blockages and promoting business opportunities in the renewable sector in the UK.