Council responds to energy white paper

Cornwall Council has given a cautious welcome to the Government’s published proposals to reform the electricity market.

The Electricity Market Reform White Paper sets out key measures to attract investment and create a secure mix of electricity sources including gas, new nuclear, renewables and carbon capture and storage.

The Renewables’ Roadmap, published alongside this, outlines a plan to accelerate renewable energy deployment – to meet the target of 15% of all energy by 2020 – while driving down costs.

Cornwall Council has ambitions of its own for renewable energy and has its own target to be energy self-sufficient by 2025.

Julian German, cabinet member responsible for the Council’s Green Cornwall Programme, said: “Generally the proposals outlined in this White Paper are helpful to our low carbon ambitions in Cornwall Council.

“There is no doubt that we need to create a stable framework for investment in an improved electricity grid and in renewable energy. It is vitally important, however, to see a consistency in energy policy, legislation and incentives which will help to regain the confidence of industry and communities in a multi technology renewable energy market.

“The White Paper does not go far enough to give confidence that the Government’s ambition to decarbonise the UK goes beyond the hugely expensive and controversial rebuilding of the UK’s nuclear power plants and the current development of offshore wind farms.”

German added: “Cornwall can be at the vanguard of the Government’s ambitions and Cornwall Council is seen as a leading local authority. Many of our departments are working with Communities and businesses to boost opportunities for an affordable and prosperous low carbon future.”

Meanwhile, the Council is holding a Renewable Energy Show later this month. Click here for details.