MP calls for renewables plan

Post by Kevin Jackson on 20th June 2012 in General industry

A Conservative MP has warned that the government’s forthcoming energy bill must impose a limit on gas power, to avoid deterring investment in renewable energy. 

Speaking to the Guardian, Tim Yeo – chairman of the parliamentary energy and climate change select committee – stressed that the legislation must provide “long-term stability” and emphasised the need to encourage green energy investment. 

“Whether or not the government sets a clear carbon reduction target on the face of the energy bill will be a key test of the coalition's commitment to tackle climate change,” he explained. “An unambiguous objective to clean up the electricity sector by 2030 would give energy companies the confidence to invest and innovate.” 

Mr Yeo urged the coalition to adopt the recommendations made by the Committee on Climate Change, which has previously called on electricity providers to cut carbon emissions to 50g/KWh by 2030 and made a submission to the energy climate change select committee this week. 

The Sunday Telegraph reported over the weekend that ministers could be poised to cut onshore wind subsidies by 2020, following recommendations made by cabinet minister Oliver Letwin.

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