Renewable Energy Association calls on Rudd to set out long-term renewables plan

The UK’s largest renewable energy association (REA) has criticised the speech by Energy Minister Amber Rudd at the Conservative party conference for lacking in vision for the industry.

The REA said Rudd’s speech failed to respond to calls for clarity, from communities and other investors, about the renewable energy sectors’ future .

Dr. Nina Skorupska, Chief Executive, Renewable Energy Association, said: “The Secretary spoke about fulfilling the government’s promise to slow the development of onshore wind.

“What went unsaid was how the government has additionally destabilised the solar, geothermal, marine, anaerobic digestion and biomass industries.

“This speech was a missed opportunity to offer the more than 20,000 hard-working individuals in the renewables industry facing potential job losses some sort of clarity about their future. “

An association spokesman added: “Since the general election there has been bonfire of policies, with nothing taking their place to continue the delicate success of the UK’s renewables industry.

“Q2 of this year saw a record 25% of the UK’s electricity being generated by renewables, producing more than coal for the first time. Yet recent announcements risk halting any new investment in this area.

“Renewables have added over 20% capacity to the UK electricity grid in the past five years, during which there has been negligible building of any other new generation. If the Secretary of State wants to avoid a capacity crunch in future years she has to ensure the only sector building continues building.”

See also: Britain drops out of World Top 10 investor-attractive renewable energy markets

http://www.scottishenergynews.com/britain-drops-out-of-world-top-10-investor-attractive-renewable-energy-markets/

The Renewable Energy Association is the largest renewable energy trade association in the UK, with approximately 750 members – ranging from major multinationals to sole traders.