Newsdesk

Government limits new jobs in renewable energy

13th February 2003

The Government's Energy White Paper (1), presents new targets for generating electricity from safe, renewable sources. Unfortunately, the resources to develop a renewable energy sector in East Kent and nationwide are very limited, and may threaten the new Government targets. Steve Dawe comments:

"East Kent could be a centre for renewable energy, with wind farms offshore and onshore such as those planned for Romney Marsh and off Whitstable. However, the amount given by Government each year to renewable energy in the UK is only about �38 million. This compares with �650 million spent recently keeping the ailing nuclear industry operating.

The Green Party strongly supports solar-water and space heating for new housing and other buildings; landfill gas from waste; windpower onshore and offshore. But we feel the Government�s resources are spread too thinly to have serious employment effects in East Kent. What local jobs will replace those lost when the Dungeness A nuclear station closes?

Reductions in greenhouse gas emissions require cuts in emissions from cars, ships and aircraft, as the Government knows. The Government is certainly adopting better policies in its Energy White Paper than previously, but has abandoned its 10-year Transport Plan and with it any serious attempt to limit greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector, where they continue to grow each year. Public transport improvements funded in part by congestion charging seem essential if overall use of fossil fuel energy sources are to be cut back. ENDS c247 words

FURTHER INFORMATION: Steve Dawe, on 01233 645167 or 07904 382203. Contact address: 10 Hillbrow Road, Ashford, Kent TN23 4QH

Notes: 1. Energy White Paper: www.dti.gov.uk/energy/whitepaper

Site design and
management by

IT Workshop
recommend:

providers of

using

Computers

and VALID

Updated by
Philip
20th June 2005