The Advantages of Renewable Energy

In 2003, the Government published its Energy White Paper, which set out the following goals for energy policy:

• cut carbon emissions by 60 per cent by 2050
• maintain the reliability of energy supplies
• promote competitive energy markets in the UK and Europe, helping to increase sustainable economic growth and to improve our productivity
• ensure every home is adequately and affordably heated.

Development of renewable energy is a key part of Government policy to achieve these goals.       

Among the benefits of renewable energy are:

• low carbon emissions
• secure, indigenous supply
• job opportunities and spin-off economic benefits for local companies and communities.

In tandem with increased energy efficiency, renewable energy will play a fundamental part in meeting the UK’s commitment to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. And the 60 per cent target is an ambitious one. The UK is responsible for the release of around two per cent of the world’s global carbon emissions, despite having only one per cent of the world’s population.

The worst offenders are power stations. UK energy industries are currently the largest single contributors to UK carbon emissions.Together they contribute over a third (54 million tonnes) of the total amount of carbon dioxide emitted in the UK annually.

Renewable energy offers a low carbon option for the UK's energy, heat and transport needs.

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