REA's Manifesto Aimed To Spur Election Policy Discussion
The REA has set out a blueprint for the next government, outlining the key "˜manifesto asks' for all the REA's key technologies across renewable heating, power and transport fuels. A common theme across all sectors is the need for clear, stable policy. Matched with ambitious government plans, this will create jobs, investment and growth, and help the UK catch up in the global clean energy race (in which it currently lags behind, sitting 26th out of 28 in the EU renewables league table).
In a recent report entitled REVIEW, the REA found that policies put in place to date towards the 2020 renewable energy targets have generated £30 billion of investment, sustaining over 100,000 jobs. They also forecasted that achieving the 2020 targets would generate a further £64 billion of investment, sustaining a total of 400,000 jobs.
REA Chief Executive Dr Nina Skorupska commented, "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."
Ed Davey, the current government's Energy and Climate Change Secretary was enthusiastic towards the document and had this to say.
"In Government the Liberal Democrats have more than doubled renewable energy generation thanks to proper investment in the sector. We have been at the forefront of reforming the electricity market to help cut bills which is crucial to building a fairer society. And that's not all, as part of creating a stronger economy, we are on target to produce 250,000 green jobs across the UK by 2020.
"But we want to do even more and introduce a legally binding decarbonisation target to green our electricity and boost renewable heating. The Liberal Democrats are looking ahead to a greener and reformed energy market, which benefits the consumer and puts the environment first.
"Pioneering work by the Renewable Energy Association's members is vital to achieving these goals."
MPs have been presented with copies of the REA Manifesto at a series of breakfast seminars. The REA Manifesto builds on the Action for Renewables campaign launched earlier which sets six top line key asks for the next government.
Support the Climate Change Act to keep us on course to meet our carbon commitments and back global efforts to tackle climate change.
Set a new renewables target for 2030 of 30% of UK energy
Back the Independent Committee on Climate Change's recommendation to set a binding target for low carbon electricity by 2030.
Fund the Renewable Heat Incentive for new applications after 2016.
Boost the UK's Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation to reach the 10% renewable energy target for transport by 2020.
Reform the EU Emissions Trading Scheme to ensure the market takes account of all sectors' polluting cost of carbon emissions.
The REA will continue to work with fellow trade associations and other stakeholders to make the case for growing the renewable energy economy in the run-up to the general election.
