Energy Review 'Squanders Opportunity for Renewables While Pandering to Nuclear' Protest Greens
Thu., February 14, 2002. 00:00.
The long-awaited UK Energy review (launched today), has squandered the enormous opportunity to develop Scotland's renewable energy resources, whilst pandering to the nuclear industry, claim the Scottish Greens. Greens say that the target of 20% renewable energy by 2020 proposed by the review is far too conservative, given that the existing target in Scotland is 18% by 2010. This lack of vision means that the development of emerging renewable technologies - such as wave and tidal power - that could substantially benefit Scotland, will be severely hindered. The Greens want concrete commitments from the Executive that they will set higher targets and provide financial support the development of new renewable technologies.
The long-awaited UK Energy review (launched today), has squandered the enormous opportunity to develop Scotland's renewable energy resources, whilst pandering to the nuclear industry, claim the Scottish Greens. Greens say that the target of 20% renewable energy by 2020 proposed by the review is far too conservative, given that the existing target in Scotland is 18% by 2010. This lack of vision means that the development of emerging renewable technologies - such as wave and tidal power - that could substantially benefit Scotland, will be severely hindered. The Greens want concrete commitments from the Executive that they will set higher targets and provide financial support the development of new renewable technologies.
While the Review as a whole has come as a considerable disappointment, some of conclusions it draws are nonetheless welcome, including;
- setting of a target of a 40% improvement in energy efficiency by 2020
- establishment of Sustainable Energy Policy unit, a move called for by Scottish Greens in their 'Power to Go Green' energy document published earlier this week
Speaking about the Review Green MSP Robin Harper stated;
'The Executive's own evidence to Energy Review indicated that the potential for renewable energy in Scotland alone is equivalent to the output of three-quarters of the UK's existing power stations. Yet the Review recommends the development of only a fraction of this clean and green energy resource, and this is simply a scandalous waste of a golden opportunity. Development of renewable energy is devolved and the Executive must show courage and considerably exceed this pitiful target. However, their reaction to the Review has been disappointing
'Instead we are left with the spectre of nuclear, the ghost of energy past, haunting the Scottish people. Nuclear has been shown to be dangerous, uneconomic and, contrary to the spin of the nuclear industry and the Government, a major producer of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide [1]. This review should have consigned nuclear power to the history books, instead the Government's love affair with the nuclear industry means that further nuclear reactors in Scotland are a real possibility.
'There will now be a consultation on this Review before Government publishes an energy white paper later this year. The Scottish people can show the Government that nuclear isn't an option and join the Greens' Scotland Against Nuclear Expansion (SANE) campaign by signing our online petition [2].'
CONTACT: Chris Berry 0131 348 5927
Robin Harper MSP 0131 348 5927
[1] See Fritsche, U.R. (1997) Comparing Greenhouse-Gas Emissions and Abatement Costs of Nuclear and Alternative Energy Options from a Life-Cycle Perspective. In 'Power to Go Green' report, obtainable at the Scottish Green Party Website www.scottishgreens.org.uk
[2] SANE petition can be signed by following the link on the website www.scottishgreens.org.uk
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Contact the Scottish Greens' press team on 07909 933 074.