REA announces manifesto for UK renewable energy as transition nears

In the UK, the Renewable Energy Association (REA) has announced a blueprint for the UK’s next government with key “manifesto asks” including clear, stable policy for all forms of renewable energy. The manifesto hopes to outline a plan for the next government of the UK as the nation strives to meet its 2020 renewable energy goals despite setbacks that have landed the UK sitting 26th out of 28 in the EU renewables league table.

REA Chief Executive Dr Nina Skorupska said of the manifesto “From clean power infrastructure to Zero Carbon Homes and from heat networks to sustainable transport, this is the most comprehensive guide a government could wish for if they’re seeking to maximise the value of this young, vibrant and innovative industry.”

“Looking out to 2020, this manifesto sets out how the Government can keep up the progress on renewable electricity, and accelerate the roll-out of renewable heating technologies and transport fuels. Certainty beyond 2020 is also vital to enable industry to invest in innovation, expansion, skills and supply chains.”

The manifesto builds on the Action for Renewables campaign that REA announced last week. The Digest reported the six key asks of the campaign:

1. Support the Climate Change Act to keep us on course to meet our carbon commitments and back global efforts to tackle climate change.
2. Set a new renewables target for 2030 of 30% of UK energy
3. Back the Independent Committee on Climate Change’s recommendation to set a binding target for low carbon electricity by 2030.
4. Fund the Renewable Heat Incentive for new applications after 2016.
5. Boost the UK’s Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation to reach the 10% renewable energy target for transport by 2020.
6. Reform the EU Emissions Trading Scheme to ensure the market takes account of all sectors’ polluting cost of carbon emissions.
More on the story.