Following the recent change in leadership at Norfolk County Council, I wrote to the new administration to express my concerns regarding reports that Norfolk’s Net Zero programme may be scaled back or abandoned.

This isn’t about party politics.

It’s about jobs, investment, energy security and the future prosperity of Norfolk.

For more than 18 years, through The Solar Shed and, more recently, The Solar Nation Assured Installer Network, I’ve worked alongside homeowners, businesses, installers, manufacturers and renewable energy professionals across Norfolk and the wider UK.

During that time, I’ve seen first-hand how investment in renewable energy has changed lives and strengthened communities.

I’ve watched local companies grow.

I’ve seen apprentices develop into skilled tradespeople.

I’ve met families whose energy bills have reduced significantly because they invested in solar energy and battery storage.

I’ve seen businesses improve their resilience by generating more of their own electricity.

The conversation around Net Zero often becomes polarised, but perhaps we’ve lost sight of an important question:

What is actually in Norfolk’s best interests?

Renewable Energy Is Creating Jobs

Norfolk sits at the centre of one of the UK’s most significant energy transitions.

Offshore wind, solar energy, battery storage, electrical infrastructure and energy efficiency projects are already supporting thousands of jobs across East Anglia.

Local businesses have invested heavily in training, vehicles, specialist equipment and workforce development to meet growing demand.

If we create uncertainty around Norfolk’s long-term commitment to these sectors, there is a real risk that future investment simply goes elsewhere.

Those jobs go elsewhere too.

Lower Energy Bills Matter

For many households, the debate around Net Zero isn’t ideological.

It’s practical.

People want warm homes that cost less to run.

Solar panels, battery storage, improved insulation and better energy efficiency can help families take greater control of their energy costs.

At a time when many residents continue to feel pressure from rising living costs, reducing support for these measures seems difficult to justify.

Local Businesses Need Confidence

Businesses thrive when there is stability.

Many Norfolk companies have spent years building expertise within the renewable energy sector.

They need confidence that the direction of travel remains broadly consistent.

Constant policy shifts create hesitation, delay investment decisions and make long-term planning more difficult.

Whether people support every aspect of Net Zero policy or not, businesses need certainty.

Energy Security Is No Longer Optional

Recent years have highlighted how vulnerable we can become when energy markets are disrupted.

Generating more electricity closer to where it is used helps improve resilience.

Every solar panel installed on a Norfolk roof contributes to reducing dependence on imported fuels and volatile international markets.

That isn’t ideology.

It’s common sense.

Climate Adaptation Is Already Happening

Even if people disagree about the pace or structure of Net Zero policies, Norfolk is already facing challenges that require practical solutions.

Coastal erosion.

Flood risk.

Pressure on infrastructure.

Periods of drought.

Overheating in buildings.

Preparing communities for these realities is simply good risk management.

A Call for Constructive Leadership

I understand that the new administration may wish to review existing policies and spending commitments.

That’s entirely reasonable.

However, I would urge elected members from all political parties to engage with the businesses, workers and communities already involved in Norfolk’s renewable energy economy before dismantling programmes that support jobs, attract investment and improve energy resilience.

Norfolk has an opportunity to lead.

Not just environmentally, but economically.

The question shouldn’t be whether we abandon progress.

It should be how we improve what already exists so that it delivers maximum benefit for local residents, local businesses and local taxpayers.

The Solar Shed and The Solar Nation Assured Installer Network would welcome the opportunity to meet with elected representatives from all political backgrounds to discuss how Norfolk can continue to create jobs, reduce energy costs and strengthen energy security for the benefit of everyone.

This conversation is too important to become trapped by political labels.

The decisions made today will shape Norfolk for decades to come.

Kevin Holland
The Solar Shed Ltd
Founder, The Solar Nation Assured Installer Network