UK ‘needs’ all green technologies

Scottish Renewables and the Renewable Energy Association (REA) have both welcomed the UK government’s Clean Growth Strategy but expressed disappointment there is no commitment to allow onshore wind and solar to compete for price support with other renewables.

“With cost reduction recognised as an important part of the continued growth of our low-carbon energy system, it is startling that cheap, popular onshore wind and solar PV are excluded once again from plans for the UK’s energy future,” said Claire Mack, Scottish Renewables chief executive.

“We now look forward to seeing the outcome of the government’s cost of energy review, where we expect to see these lowest-cost technologies recognised as crucial for the delivery of cheap, clean power for Britain’s homes and businesses,” she said.

REA chief executive Nina Skorupska said that many of its members would see “very little substance” in the plan, with onshore wind and solar “blocked to market” and bioenergy “forgotten”.

“We cannot have a low cost, low carbon and secure energy transformation without these technologies,” Skorupska added.

The support for offshore wind in the strategy was widely welcomed.

Dong Energy UK managing director Matthew Wright called the plan “fantastic news” for the renewable energy industry. 

“We look forward to working with government to help realise the aims of this new strategy,” he said.

Crown Estate director of energy, minerals and infrastructure Huub den Rooijen said the focus on offshore wind was “great news for the sector”.

Offshore Wind Industry Council co-chair Benj Sykes said: “£557m for future CfD auctions provides certainty for the industry and the opportunity to build more innovative, low-cost renewable projects.

“Offshore wind can be the backbone of the UK’s electricity system and we are now working with the government to deliver an ambitious and transformational sector deal.”

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