Overview
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) is a United Kingdom central government department established in 2023. It was created to bring together responsibility for energy security and delivery of the UK’s net zero targets within a single policy authority. The department’s overarching purpose is to ensure reliable, affordable energy supplies while driving the transition to a low-carbon economy. DESNZ operates within the UK Government framework and plays a central role in shaping long-term energy and climate strategy. Its work reflects statutory climate commitments, including carbon budgets and net zero obligations.
Mission and focus areas
DESNZ’s mission is to secure the UK’s energy system while reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the economy. Core focus areas include electricity and gas markets, renewable energy deployment, nuclear policy, energy efficiency, hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, and industrial decarbonisation. The department contributes to sustainable finance and ESG integration through policy frameworks that influence investment flows into low-carbon infrastructure and clean technologies. Its strategies and regulations provide signals to financial markets on transition pathways, risk management and long-term climate alignment.
Structure and governance
DESNZ is led by a Secretary of State supported by Ministers of State and Parliamentary Under-Secretaries. Day-to-day operations are overseen by a Permanent Secretary and senior civil servants. The department is organised into directorates covering energy security, net zero strategy, climate policy, analysis and delivery. It works closely with other government departments, regulators, devolved administrations and international partners to coordinate policy development and implementation.
Programs and offerings
DESNZ produces a wide range of public outputs, including national strategies, policy papers, consultations, impact assessments and analytical reports. These resources inform regulation, market design and public investment related to energy and climate transition. The department also oversees delivery programmes that support low-carbon technologies, energy efficiency and infrastructure development. For finance and sustainability practitioners, DESNZ publications and policy signals are valuable for understanding regulatory direction, transition risks and opportunities across the UK energy system.
