03.03.20
New measures to help power millions more homes with renewable energy
The next round of the Contracts for Difference scheme, announced yesterday (Mar 2), is set to help power millions more homes with renewable energy.
The scheme is due to open in 2021, and the latest round will be open to renewable technologies including onshore wind and solar energy.
Included in the announcement is the news of local communities being given more say on developments that will affect them, through tough new guidance proposals allowing them to green light projects in the area, meaning no English onshore wind project will proceed without local community consent.
In order to reach net zero by 2050, as per government ambitions, the Committee on Climate Change has said renewable energy generation in the UK will need to quadruple.
Secretary of State for Business and Energy Alok Sharma said:
“Ending our contribution to climate change means making the UK a world leader in renewable energy.
“We are determined to do that in a way that works for everyone, listening to local communities and giving them an effective voice in decisions that affect them.”
The Contracts for Difference scheme aims to ramp up support for renewable energy ambitions by making the UK a world-leader in new technologies such as floating offshore wind, increasing clean energy capacity.
It will also work to support the supply chain, boosting productivity and competitiveness among suppliers, making the clean energy industry flourish.
Another aim will be to look into improved energy storage in order to provide power when there is less wind or sun.
RenewableUK’s Chief Executive Hugh McNeal said:
“The government is pressing ahead with action to meet our net zero emissions target quickly and at lowest cost to consumers and businesses. Backing cheap renewables is a clear example of the practical action to tackle climate change that the public is demanding, and this will speed up the transition to a net zero economy.”
The consultation is now available and will close on 22 May 2020, inviting suggestions and opinions on the structure of the next allocation round expected for 2020.