Energy-Saving News

UK Government Plans For A Low Carbon Future With Higher Energy Prices and Green Farming

Posted on 15. Jul, 2009 by Ross in Energy Prices, Government Policy, United Kingdom

The UK Government has today outlined plans for a major expansion in renewable energy as part of its strategy to reduce the UK’s carbon emissions in the coming decade, the impact of which would likely increase people’s and companies’ energy bills in the future.

Following on from the world’s first legally binding Carbon Budget, which requires a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 34% by 2020 and at least 80% by 2050, the white paper titled the Low Carbon Transition Plan ties these targets together with the EU target of meeting 15% of all energy needs from renewables by 2020. It clarifies what goals need to be achieved across various sectors including power, transport, homes, workplaces and agriculture.

The latter category sees the most novel attention. The Government has for the first time stated a targeted ambition for a 6% reduction in agricultural carbon emissions. Anaerobic digesters, which turn manure into renewable energy, are set to receive financial support, whilst farms may start qualifying for Carbon Trust interest-free loans.

A key new domestic scheme to reduce climate emissions launched in the Low Carbon Transition Plan was a “pay as you save” programme for home-owners to receive loans for home insulation, with the money repaid directly from energy bill savings.

Although not new news, the long-awaited “feed-in tariffs” programme was launched, enabling people who install small-scale renewables such as solar panels or wind turbines to be paid for the electricity they generate. Controversial smart meters will be mandatorily installed nationwide in homes as well in an attempt to encourage behaviour changes which could lead to lower electricity consumption.

There are also proposals to increase large-scale renewable energy and in particular wind - with plans for 3,000 new offshore and 4,000 onshore turbines. As well as

Related posts:

1. UK Government Plans Climate Change Adaption, UK Consumers Need To Adapt To
2. Copenhagen Results In Higher Energy Prices
3. Carbon Trust Farms Interest With Free Agricultural Loans For Energy Efficiency
4. Carbon Trust Helps Track Dirty Carbon Farming Footprint
5. Energy Prices Leave UK Steel On The Brink Of Collapse

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Tags: agriculture, Energy Prices, farming, Government Policy, price rises, renewables, uk