Renewables industry sets six key ‘manifesto tests’ for 2015 election

Leading UK renewable energy trade bodies have combined to set a series of “key manifesto tests” for the political parties ahead of the next British general election.

The group has launched a ‘renewables manifesto’ statement on the Action for Renewables website, which encourages public support for more renewable energy.

Chaired by prominent environmentalist Dr Tony Juniper, the group comprises the Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association, the British Photovoltaic Association, the Renewable Energy Association, RenewableUK, Scottish Renewables, and the Solar Trade Association.  Renewables provide around 15% of Britain’s power today and the sector is set to provide nearly a third by 2020.

These trade bodies have set out six key tests for the next UK Government, and are encouraging members of the public to write to the different party leaders to encourage them to take forward the principles into the election. The six key tests laid out by the grouping are:

1. Support the Climate Change Act to keep UK on course to meet our carbon commitments and back global efforts to tackle climate change.
2. Set a new renewables target for 2030 of 30% of UK energy
3. Back the Independent Committee on Climate Change’s recommendation to set a binding target for low  carbon electricity by 2030.
4. Fund the Renewable Heat Incentive for new applications after 2016.
5. Boost the UK’s Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation to reach the 10% renewable energy target for transport by 2020.
6. Reform the EU Emissions Trading Scheme to ensure the market takes account of all sectors’ polluting cost of carbon emissions.

Tony Juniper, Chairman of Action for Renewables, said: “We need consistent and strong backing for renewable energy, not only to cut carbon emissions and tackle climate change, but also to harness the opportunities for growth and jobs and reduce our reliance on dirty fossil fuel imports from insecure parts of the world.

“A range of technologies have important roles to play and I hope voters will contact party leaders and ask them to support out manifesto because none of these technologies can flourish without political backing”.