Greater role for renewable in UK energy mix

Renewable energy must take a far greater role in the UK’s future energy mix, was the message from Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks, as the UK government published a new report into energy supplies.

The Energy Markets Outlook report provides energy market information on security of supply, looking forward over a fifteen-year time span.

“The sooner the world tackles climate change the better, both economically and environmentally. The best way of reducing emissions from energy is to use less. But whatever the exact composition of the future energy mix is, it must clearly involve a far greater role for renewable energy.

Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks

Wicks commented: "We need to ensure that the market delivers enough energy supply in five years' time, in ten years' time and in fifteen years' time.”

He added: "Underpinning this is the need to move as quickly as reasonably possible towards a low-carbon economy. The sooner the world tackles climate change the better, both economically and environmentally. The best way of reducing emissions from energy is to use less. But whatever the exact composition of the future energy mix is, it must clearly involve a far greater role for renewable energy."

“Some countries, including the UK are making a little progress in areas such as investment in new technologies but a sustainable energy future is not a problem that will be solved by individual countries.

Martin Rees, president of the Royal Society said

Alistair Buchanan, Ofgem (the UK’s energy regulator) chief executive said: "The past couple of years have shown that competitive markets can deliver substantial investment in new and diverse energy supplies. But if investment is too late customers can suffer by having to cut production or deal with much higher prices to manage temporary shortages. We hope this report will help the energy industry and customers understand the risks and the need for investment in the future so that they can take appropriate actions"

Martin Rees, president of the Royal Society said: "We face massive challenges on energy and it is now time to start addressing them. Some countries, including the UK are making a little progress in areas such as investment in new technologies but a sustainable energy future is not a problem that will be solved by individual countries. The stakes are high - the world spends trillions of dollars each year on energy. It is time more of that was invested in developing a sustainable future. If the lights go out or global temperatures continue to rise, where will we be then?"