General Election: parties failing to address renewables, says industry

The majority of renewable professionals believe that the industry has not been properly addressed in election campaigns, according to a survey conducted by the Renewable Energy Association (REA).

The results have been published ahead of the general election on 7 May. Some 95% of REA members said that the renewable sector is not receiving enough coverage and attention from political parties. The Green Party is viewed as the best option for the clean energy sector, with 29% of respondents believing the Greens would benefit the industry. The Liberal Democrats were seen as the second best option by the industry.

The two main political parties received less support, with 18% stating that the industry would be in the best hands under Labour and 15% saying the same for the Conservatives.

Nina Skorupska, chief executive of REA, commented, “These findings show first-hand the concern of renewable energy companies up and down the country at how political parties are failing to adequately address the needs of our industry.

“The next government will need to show much more leadership early on and face-up to the challenge of ensuring that the UK meets its ambitious renewables targets, which will allow our industry to play a key role if the regulatory environment enables is to expand, innovate and thrive.”

Focussing on specific policies, survey participants rates the Feed-in Tariff as the most important policy, followed by the Renewable Heat Incentive. Meeting the 2030 decarbonisation target was also high on the list of priories for renewable energy firms, with 44% highlighting it.

Skorupsja added, “We very much look forward to working with the next government to address the concerns of the renewable energy, ensuring the UK makes the transition to the low-carbon economy that will bring with it cheaper bills, more jobs and greater energy security.”

Photo: Colin Brough via Freeimages

Further reading:

Renewable investment up 16% in 2014

Global renewable energy investment on the rise

Policy uncertainty leads to UK slipping down renewable investment rankings

Greg Barker: UK renewables ‘extremely attractive’ for investors

Report: achieving renewable energy targets could address water challenges