Read the full article here or on the World of Renewables website.

Noel room for Complacency on UK 2012 Renewables Policy

Green sector specialists, PLMR, respond to the Government’s first report to the European Commission on renewable energy progress in the UK.

Responding to the report, PLMR Account Director Elin Twigge said:

“During this festive season of particularly intensive energy use, it is heartening to hear that the proportion of the UK’s total energy consumption from renewables has increased by 27 per cent from 2008 to 2010.  The average outdoor decorative display uses an equivalent of 23 days’ household electricity consumption over the Christmas period.”

“Yet in order to stand a real chance of meeting the 15 per cent renewables target by 2020, much more needs to be done to increase renewables deployment over the next decade. As acknowledged in DECC’s first renewables progress report to the European Commission, significant measures must be taken to enable extend renewable energy generation and to continue to reduce carbon emissions.

“DEFRA’s proposal for tougher recycling targets to help divert 400,000 tonnes of packaging from landfill by 2017 is a step in the right direction.  As is the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills’ (BIS) new campaign, launched on Boxing Day, to encourage more recycling of electronic goods.

“In light of the Chancellor’s disappointing Autumn Statement for the green sector – which supported just one renewable project, alongside a host of coal and gas-fired developments – all eyes are on the Government to take clearer and stronger action in 2012 to match our consumer habits with responsible energy policy.”