Nearly 1 in 3 Businesses Won’t Hit 2030 Carbon Reduction TargetsCentrica finds 31% of businesses will not meet energy cost and emissions targets

Centrica has released its latest insight report, Navigating the Energy Labyrinth, which surveyed 500 businesses across the UK and Ireland. The findings paint a revealing picture of how organisations are approaching the energy transition, and the barriers they continue to face in cutting costs and carbon reduction targets.

A Mixed Picture on Progress

According to the report, 31% of businesses say they will not achieve their 2030 emissions reduction targets. Despite the rising pressure from regulators, investors, and customers to demonstrate climate action, many organisations still struggle to make headway.

The biggest obstacle? Cost.

Centrica found that 46% of businesses identified cost as the primary barrier to decarbonisation efforts. Even when energy technologies promise long-term savings, nearly half (44%) of respondents admitted that making a compelling internal business case remains difficult.

Energy Resilience Comes to the Fore

The report also underscored the growing importance of energy security. With continued volatility in global markets and tightening grid constraints, 46% of businesses said that energy security and resilience are now substantial risks to their operations. Furthermore, 30% of respondents said that ensuring a “reliable, resilient” energy supply is their number one priority for 2025.

Despite the Challenges, Ambition Remains High

While cost and complexity are clear barriers, many organisations are still determined to take action over the coming year. The report found that:

> 81% plan to install onsite generation, such as solar panels or CHP units

> 81% will carry out energy efficient infrastructure upgrades

> 78% intend to deploy energy management software

> 83% say they will partner with third-party providers to enhance their energy operations and accelerate progress toward net zero

These figures reflect a strong appetite for solutions, particularly those that can improve operational efficiency and reduce reliance on the grid.

Organisational Alignment Still a Hurdle

One particularly interesting insight is the role of internal dynamics. 28% of businesses said that stakeholder misalignment is among the biggest barriers to reaching net zero. In other words, even when the technology is available and the intention is there, many businesses struggle to get internal buy-in from key decision-makers.

What This Means for the Energy Landscape

Centrica’s report reinforces what many in the sector already know: the path to net zero is not linear. Businesses are under pressure to cut emissions and manage energy costs, all while navigating regulatory change and energy market uncertainty.

Yet the commitment to action is clear. Businesses are looking for trusted partners who can help them assess opportunities, unlock savings, and deploy low-carbon technologies in a cost-effective, resilient way.

As energy brokers and consultants, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. It’s no longer just about finding a better tariff, it’s about offering tailored advice, uncovering hidden inefficiencies, and enabling long-term strategies that support business and environmental goals alike.

Need help navigating your own energy labyrinth?

We work with businesses of all sizes to optimise flexible contracts, implement low-carbon solutions, and reduce exposure to energy risk. Get in touch to find out how we can support your decarbonisation journey.

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