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NATIONAL ENERGY FOUNDATION |
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Final version of PIU Energy Report contains some good options, says National Energy FoundationA step change in energy efficiency is needed and These are just two of the headings in the Government's PIU Report into the future of Energy in the UK, and they were welcomed by the National Energy Foundation, Britain's leading independent charity concerned with energy. However Foundation staff had some concerns that they should not be seen as options, but essential if Britain is to play its part in combatting global climate change
The importance of renewable energy was also welcomed in the Foundation by Gareth Ellis, Manager, NEF-Renewables. "A new target of 20% of electricity from renewable sources by 2020 is helpful," he said. "We are pleased to see the Government recognising the need to look at the effect of the New Electricity Trading Arrangements (NETA) which penalise small and intermittant generators, and at barriers in the planning system, which is one area where we have concentrated our attention. But more needs to be done to educate the consumer on simple technologies, such as Solar Water Heating, and in fostering building-integrated photovoltaics (PV)." There is perhaps less emphasis on energy efficiency for companies and larger organisations than was expected from leaked summaries of the report. "The corporate sector can contribute greatly to Britain's CO2 targets," commented Richard Tinson, the Foundation's Director, "and the Energy Efficiency Accreditation Scheme is a way of recognising achievements and sharing best practice across sectors. We feel that more could be done by Government to encourage energy saving by industry and commerce, as well as piloting appropriate renewable energy technologies in industrial areas, such as Sainsbury's (one of the accredited companies) have done by placing a wind turbine on a Scottish distribution centre." The National Energy Foundation is a UK Registered Charity dedicated to encouraging the more sustainable use of energy and the development of cleaner renewable energy sources. It aims to achieve this through programmes of public education and by practical projects supporting energy efficiency and renewables. For more information about the Foundation, please call Ian Byrne or Gareth Ellis on 01908 665555. 14 February 2002 |
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The National Energy Foundation: Registered in England - Charity No. 298951 |
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"A step change in energy efficiency is needed," echoed Ian Byrne, Deputy Director of the Foundation, "and a target of 40% improvements for domestic users by 2020 is both challenging yet possible. We are pleased to see that the Government proposes a mix of regulation and incentives. As an example of good regulations, the recent imposition of minimum standards on fridges and freezers on sale in the UK has saved large amounts on consumers bills for running cost, will make significant CO2 savings over the next decade and has been achieved without adding to the upfront cost of the appliances. Similar approaches can be applied in many other areas that will benefit householders, small businesses and the environment."