The UK is set to miss its renewable energy targets by a wide margin, says Fiona Harvey, The Guardian environment correspondent. This failure that could result in billions of pounds being added to energy bills as we rely increasingly on imported gas, according to a new study.
Only 3% of the UK’s energy currently comes from renewable sources, such as sun and wind, compared with a European average of 12%, despite a series of high-profile government policies aimed at increasing that percentage.
Britain is committed to producing 15% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020 – but campaigners say that the government currently has no prospect of achieving that target.
According to Fiona Harvey: “Imported gas is likely to represent an increasing proportion of the UK’s energy bills, and by 2020 could cost an extra £60bn more than if Britain met the renewable target, says the study by the Renewable Energy Association (REA).
“Failing to hit the targets is also damaging the prospects for green jobs – about 110,000 people are employed in the renewable industry today, but a workforce of about 400,000 is estimated to be needed to meet the 2020 goal. At that level, says report, the industry could be worth £50bn a year to the economy.”
Gaynor Hartnell, the chief executive of the REA, said that the study provided clear evidence that renewables were good for the economy and that ministers should grasp the opportunity. “When it comes to the employment, economic and energy challenges we face, this report gives a clear answer – make it renewable, and make it in Britain.”
Renewables as an industry – including wind, solar power and biomass used for heating and electricity – generate a turnover of about £12.5bn a year, with exports worth about £1.6bn last year.
Greg Barker, minister of state for energy and climate change, emphasised the importance of the sector: “Renewable energy not only provides us with clean and secure energy that cuts our reliance on imported fossil fuels, it generates billions of pounds of investment and hundreds and thousands of jobs and is a key growth sector for the UK economy. We are determined to seize the momentum and secure maximum benefit for the UK.”
More information: www.r-e-a.net/