Against that grain, research by Ernst & Young shows the UK dropping in terms of its attractiveness for renewable energy investment - down to seventh, its lowest ranking in five years. Reasons cited include uncertainty over financial support, legal challenges to solar developments and competition from overseas. The States also has given up top spot to China.
The nature of politics means there will likely always be some uncertainties for the growth of any area of industry, but things look promising in the green sector if current progress can be built on. The Renewable Energy Association (REA) has recently published its ideas about how this can be achieved. REA's suggestions include firmer support for the Climate Change Act, tougher renewable energy targets (30 per cent by 2030), continued support for renewable heat and working with the EU to ensure all markets recognise the cost of carbon emissions. What remains true is that the economics stack up ever more convincingly for wholesale changes in how we generate our energy.
Yet another study, this time from Cambridge Econometrics, suggests that if the nation cuts carbon emissions by 60 per cent compared to a 1990 baseline by 2030 as promised, its GDP would be 1.1 per cent up on where it would be by sticking with fossil fuels. It requires significant investment, but offers significant gains in jobs and household income alongside reduced energy needs. There are a lot of reports and statistics out there, but national and international interests seem to be lining up in a broad consensus towards cleaner growth. The speed of change is the big question mark that remains, however, and scientists warn that we're falling short of beating a two degree rise in global temperatures - a stark reminder not to rest on present achievements.
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Source: alt-energy-solutions.blogspot.com
