UK close to green energy targets

BRITAIN is on track to hit “ambitious” European targets to source 15 per cent of all energy from renewable sources by 2020, according to a “renewable energy roadmap” published today by Energy Secretary Ed Davey.

The amount of electricity generated from renewable sources increased by 27 per cent in the year to 31 July, the figures from the Department of Energy & Climate Change (DECC) revealed.

More than 10 per cent of the UK’s electricity needs are now being met by hydro-electricity schemes, wind farms and other forms of alternative power.

Davey said: “Renewable energy is increasingly powering the UK’s grid, and the economy too.

“It’s a fantastic achievement, given the point from which we started. Right now, getting new infrastructure investment into the economy is crucial to driving growth and supporting jobs across the country.

“I am determined that we get ahead in the global race on renewables and build on the big-money investments we’ve seen this year”.

Davey highlighted a series of deals signed in Scotland, which he expected to further boost the renewable energy sector.

These included plans by Areva and Gamesa to build offshore wind turbines factories in Scotland, creating 750 jobs each, and deals for Wood Group to build weather monitoring stations for the world’s largest wind farm, which is expected to be built off the coast of East Anglia.