UK Solar Leader Advises Government To Stop Pandering To Fossil Fuel

Jeremy Leggett, Founder and Chairman
of Solarcentury, will attend the global Clean Energy Ministerial in London on
Wednesday 25th April. Joining energy ministers from 23 of the world's leading
economies at Lancaster House, Solarcentury is one of just three international
solar companies invited by Steve Chu, US Energy Secretary, to advise Ministers
on policies to accelerate the transition to a low carbon future.   The invitation coincides with Solarcentury's
ambitious plans to enter new international markets including South Africa and
Latin America.

Welcoming the invitation from the US
government, Jeremy Leggett, Founder and Chairman of Solarcentury said:

"Solarcentury is attending this
gathering to make three key points. First, the days when policy makers could
dismiss PV as "nice to do" but "too expensive" are
over.  PV is an essential ally in the
global struggle to deliver energy security and a cost-effective low and then
zero carbon future.  

Second, Governments must stop
pandering to the fossil fuel and nuclear lobby, a stance which is driving out
the very investment which is needed to drive foward PV and other renewable
energy technologies.

"And third, Governments need to
resist the temptation to keep undermining successful feed-in tariff
policies.  This industry will continue to
cut costs, invest in new products and jobs, but it needs predictable public
policy not knee-jerk panic of the type for example  that has undermined the UK scheme."

The discussions will take place at
the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM3) [www.cleanenergyministerial.org].  Throughout the week a series of announcements
will be made on collaborations between countries, new investment and jobs, in
areas including energy efficiency, carbon capture and storage, solar, wind and
entrepreneurialism. Steven Chu, US Energy Secretary will co-Chair the event
with UK Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Edward Davey.