Coalition urged to give 'clear leadership' on renewable energy (From Halesowen News)

Coalition urged to give 'clear leadership' on renewable energy

3:41pm Thursday 9th August 2012 in Business Daily

MORE than 200 organisations have signed a letter to David Cameron and Nick Clegg asking them to ensure their Government provides “clear and consistent leadership” on renewable energy.

The letter follows growing concerns about “the slow pace and complexity of Department of Energy and Climate Change’s (DECC’s) policy framework and a series of interventions by the Treasury, creating confusion about Government objectives and leaving key renewable power technologies without the clarity they need”.

Martin Wright, chairman of the Renewable Energy Association (REA) said: “The decisions for renewable power were late and raised more questions than they answered. Renewables must not be treated like a political football, kicked between DECC and Treasury.

“Government shouldn’t squander this once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform our energy system into one fit for the future, with all the jobs and inward investment this will bring.

“It’s a measure of our frustration with the pace of policy making and its lack of direction, that we are writing this open letter to the Prime Minister and Deputy PM.

“The UK is lagging behind virtually all other countries on renewable energy. This Government needs to start living up to its Coalition Agreement and its promise to be the greenest ever.”

The letter has been signed by signatories as diverse as investors Novusmodus and Climate Change Capital, the TUC’s Frances O’Grady, the University and College Union, the NFU, environmentalist Tony Juniper and major companies npower renewables and Fred Olsen.

The letter has also been signed by several associations, from the REA and Solar Trade Association to the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association and the Country Land and Business Association.