UK must take note of Energy Select Committee’s proposals

The UK Government should take note of the “clarion call” from the Energy Select Committee to stop its dash for gas and set a decarbonisation target for the power sector. […]

The UK Government should take note of the “clarion call” from the Energy Select Committee to stop its dash for gas and set a decarbonisation target for the power sector.

The comment from RenewableUK follows Tim Yeo, the Chair of the Committee, warning the UK could be left behind if the Government doesn’t set the right policies for energy.

He warned of the advances being made by countries like China and Germany, with the latter country already getting 25% of its electricity from renewables.

Maf Smith (pictured), Deputy Chief Executive said: “The Government should take notice of this clarion call from Tim Yeo as he speaks with great authority on energy issues. His comments highlight the need for the UK to stand up and be counted as a growing number of countries seek to decarbonise their energy markets and secure a clean and abundant source of energy for the future. A clear decarbonisation target for the way we generate our electricity by 2030 is essential to achieving this.”

Environmental group Friends of the Earth also welcomed the news and said it is essential to have a target for cleaning up the power sector.

Executive Director Andy Atkins added: “It would give businesses the confidence to invest in clean energy, create jobs and end the nation’s crippling dependence on dirty and increasingly costly fossil fuels.

“The driving force behind rocketing fuel bills is the mounting cost of wholesale gas, with experts predicting further rises in the years to come. If we want to create a clean, safe and affordable energy system the Government must abandon its reckless dash for gas which threatens to send the UK hurtling towards an increasingly expensive future and shatter UK targets for tackling climate change.”

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