New renewables fund highlights government's lack of vision
03 November 2005
Green Party Principal Speaker Keith Taylor today expressed his disappointment at the amount the government has allocated to Low Carbon Buildings, the fund replacing the Clear Skies and Major PV Demonstration programmes, designed to encourage uptake of micro-renewables technology.
"Compared with the billions sunk every year into nuclear industry £30m is a woefully small sum to stimulate the renewable energy sector," he said. "(Energy Minister) Malcolm Wicks' promises to champion micro-generation remain unconvincing while government investment is so low.
"Heating our homes accounts for 27 percent of the UK's CO2 emissions; commercial buildings yet more. (1) Local micro-generation systems, using a combination of wind, solar PV, biomass and other technology would dramatically reduce this figure, and significantly reduce the energy lost in transfer.
"Through the planning system government has power to require renewable energy generation on all new buildings. Grants and advice should be made available for householders to make the switch to low carbon power. It's time to recognise the challenges global warming presents and for some positive environmental leadership.
"The economic feasibility of microgeneration when compared with a similar spend on nuclear power has been clearly demonstrated. (2) The risks associated with nuclear make microgeneration even more attractive.
"Mr Wicks should read the 2003 Energy White Paper, which calls for a low carbon economy, and reconsider the grant he's just announced."
ENDS
Notes for Editors
2 Reports: Keeping the Lights on: Nuclear, Renewables, and Climate Change, a memorandum by the Green Party in England & Wales; and Small or atomic? comparing the finances of nuclear and micro-generated energy, a Green Alliance briefing.
