The Government today finally published their proposals for future support for renewable energy.
We and many others have been waiting for these for some time, concerned about rumours that they had got held up by Treasury and then in Number 10.
There have been no shortages of critics of renewables over the past year, exaggerating the impact green subsidies are having on bills and misleading the public over the efficiency of wind power.
But Government have stood their ground and announced that subsidies for renewables will, for the most part, continue as they are. In fact, support will be increased for wave and tidal stream power, which is great news as these technologies have serious potential in the UK and we think they can be deployed sensitively and with minimal impact.
Furthermore, support wasn’t increased for biomass electricity, casting doubt on the future of many of the proposed biomass plant that would have turned the UK into a massive importer of wood from across the world. Read more about why the RSPB has been calling for subsidies to be cut for biomass here.
All in all, today’s announcements add up to good news for the environment. We’re facing an economic crisis, as well as a climate and ecological crisis, and renewable energy has a key role to play in overcoming all three of these challenges. The continued support announced today will ensure the industry can live up to this promise.