Energy producers back government’s renewable strategy
Energy producers have welcomed plans laid out by the government in the Renewable Energy Strategy. The recent announcement to generate at least one-third of the UK’s electricity through renewables, to reach a target of 15% by 2020 has brought forward praise from various groups.
David Porter, chief executive of the Association of Electricity Producers (AEP) in a statement said: “This consultation is a chance to confirm a big future for renewable energy and just as importantly, to debate the major implications of such a big increase in renewables.”
Similarly, in a statement in response to Thursday’s announcement, Andrew Duff, c.e.o. of RWE npower said: “Realistically, we have no chance of meeting tough climate targets without taking radical steps, and increasing renewable energy capacity has a vital role to play.”
However, both agreed there needs to be further changes within infrastructure and planning to accommodate planned increases in renewable generation. Nearly all proposed sites for deployment of renewable technologies have faced stiff public opposition. With this is mind, David Porter stated: “None of [the RES] will mean much unless we streamline our planning process.” AEP and RWE have said they will push to make planning and consent processes more efficient, without compromising on local considerations.
Meanwhile, the Renewable Energy Association (REA) commended the governments “maturity” towards the subject by providing detailed targets. Executive director Phillip Wolfe called for more types of renewable generation to be taken into account, such as the role of biogas (natural gas) in the treatment of organic waste. Furthermore, he stressed the need for more support for marine renewables, and said the government has underestimated the potential for wave and tidal generation. Wolfe also called for a realignment of the regulator Ofgem’s remit to carbon reduction objectives in an effort to make regulations more of a help and less of hindrance. DOK
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