ENERGY Secretary Chris Huhne highlighted fresh evidence of the economic benefits of renewables as he reaffirmed the UK Government’s commitment to EU green-energy targets yesterday.
According to the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), UK firms have in this financial year announced plans for nearly £2.5billion of investment in renewable-energy projects which could create almost 12,000 jobs.
DECC also said the UK achieved a 27% increase in renewable-energy consumption to 54 terawatt hours (TWh) in 2010, or 3.3% of total energy use, from 42.6TWh in 2008.
Wind generation increased by 46% to 10.2TWh over the same period, with five gigawatts of offshore and onshore capacity achieved in 2010, said DECC.
In addition, the department highlighted a jump in the use of biofuels to 3.33% of road-transport fuel supply in 2010 from 1% in 2007-08.
Mr Huhne said: “Renewable energy is not just helping us increase our energy security and reduce our emissions.
“It is supporting jobs and growth across the country, and giving traditional industrial heartlands the opportunity to thrive again.
“Our renewable target is less demanding than other EU member states but the effect is bringing real jobs and investment.”
The EU has set a target for the UK to generate 15% of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2020.
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