The Renewable Energy Association has rejected the former government Chief Scientist Sir David King's analysis of the likely cost and social impact of meeting the EU renewables target expressed on the Today programme this morning.
Recent analysis by the UK Sustainable Development Commission (SDC) shows that energy price rises due to international fuel volatility have played a far more significant role in bill increases than renewables deployment. For example, in 2007 just £9 of an average family electricity bill of £334 bill went to fund renewables under the Renewables Obligation. Since the SDC calculations, energy bills have risen again substantially, primarily as a result of fossil fuel markets.
Gaynor Hartnell said; "Sir David is sending out a dangerous message if he suggests that we cannot afford to invest in renewables. We cannot afford NOT to. We need to reduce our dependency on imported fossil fuels as well as meet mandatory European targets."
She added; “Sir David claims that the government is overly-focussed on wind power. That is no longer the case. It is currently consulting on a strategy which involves a wide range of technologies, and at long last focuses on the contribution that renewable heat can make. Overall biomass is expected to make the largest contribution to our renewable energy targets.”
