The former climate change minister Greg Barker has been replaced by Amber Rudd (as parliamentary undersecretary) and outgoing energy minister Michael Fallon has been replaced by Matthew Hancock.
Ed Davey, who is a Liberal Democrat unlike Conservative MPs Barker and Fallon, will remain energy secretary.
REA chief executive Dr Nina Skorupska said: “Greg Barker was the only DECC minister to have been in post since the last election. Not only did he bring stability to the department, he also brought passion and enthusiasm. Although during his stewardship he had to make tough decisions we didn’t agree with, there is no doubt that Greg was a champion for green business. I hope he continues to be an advocate for a low carbon economy, ensuring the UK’s energy is sustainable and secure.
“We look forward to working with Matt Hancock, Amber Rudd, Liz Truss, Penny Mordaunt, Claire Perry and John Hayes, who all landed key positions in today’s reshuffle, to seize the opportunities for new investments and jobs in renewable power, heating and transport fuels.”
Maria McCaffery, RenewableUK chief executive, said: “Mr Hancock brings with him strong experience in business and skills from his previous role as minister of state for Skills and Enterprise. The jobs of the future are in green energy, and with a dual remit across the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Department of Energy and Climate Change, Mr Hancock will be poised to ensure that these tens of thousands of jobs are realised.
“RenewableUK is also grateful to Mr Barker who, during his time as climate change minister, was a consistent advocate for renewable energy in government.”