§ Mr. WatsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the reasons underlying the percentage target for energy from renewable sources. [161006]
§ Mr. TimmsThe Government's energy policy sets out four main goals
In line with the royal Commission on Environmental Pollution's (RCEP's) recommendation, to work towards cutting emissions of carbon dioxide by some 60 per cent. by around 2050,To maintain the reliability of energy supplies.To promote competitive energy markets in the UK and beyond.To ensure that every home is adequately and affordably heated.Renewable forms of energy will play a key role in helping us to meet these goals. In January 2000, the Government announced their intention to set a target of 10 per cent. of UK electricity from renewables by 2010, subject to the costs being acceptable to the consumer. The target was set at a level considered to be challenging and yet achievable.