RENEWABLE ENERGY PROGRAMME SPARED IN CUTS

(Published 21 October 2010)

As George Osborne wielded the axe with widespread public sector cuts, many progressive projects saw their funding withdrawn as the Government hacked away at the deficit. The Renewable Heat Incentive was one project that escaped.

Focusing on helping homes and businesses reduce their own carbon emissions, the Renewable Heat Incentive is designed to help the vulnerable avoid fuel poverty.

Effectively representing over £850 million of investment, the RHI will help the Government move towards their target of 15% renewable energy by 2020.

As part of the pledge to move towards low carbon energy, there is no immediate threat to Feed-In tariffs, which is a new government backed initiative to make it worthwhile to produce renewable electricity.

Other projects, such as the Warm Front programme, which tackles insulation and energy efficiency, are being scaled back.

Birmingham Friends of the Earth’s campaigner Joe Peacock said: "The Government needs to invest in the transition to a low carbon economy in order to create new jobs, improve energy security and boost the economy."

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