Friday 21 Oct 2011 @ 12:40
WiredGov Newswire (news from other organisations)
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Investment certainty is crucial for renewables investment

WWF yesterday welcomed the Government's publication of the Renewables Obligation banding review and its commitment to supporting renewable technologies.

WWF warned, however, that there is a need to address the ‘catch 22’ that seems to be prevailing currently in the energy debate, with some commentators arguing that renewables should not be supported until their costs go down. WWF argued that policy certainty holds the key to reducing costs and attracting green jobs to the UK's manufacturing sector.
 
Nick Molho, head of energy policy at WWF-UK, said “Providing stable and long-term investment certainty to the renewables sector is crucial for allowing large scale deployment of renewable energy. It’s also key to reducing the costs of those technologies as fast as possible - which is good for consumers - and creating new jobs in the renewable energy manufacturing sector - which would be good for the economy.   
 
“The Government needs to finalise this review as soon as possible and ensure that the levels of support that are agreed will not constantly be re-visited in the years to come. If this were to be the case, it would seriously undermine investment certainty in the UK's renewables sector and will result in the UK missing the boat in becoming a leader in manufacturing renewable technologies.”
 
WWF also said that the Government should put just as much focus on energy efficiency measures and on working closely with European partners to more effectively share renewable energy resources. Improving energy efficiency and boosting interconnection and market integration with Europe can, said WWF, help ensure that the UK moves towards a high renewable electricity system in a way that is both affordable and that minimises impacts on the environment.
 
For further information, please contact:
George Smeeton, Tel: 01483 412 388, Mob: 07917 052 948, email: GSmeeton@wwf.org.uk


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