Lib Dems make renewables pledge

Liberal Democrats have announced their plans to increase the UK’s production of renewable electricity two-fold by 2020. They also intend to make the UK zero carbon by 2050. This would bring an end to the UK’s adverse impact on climate change.

The party wishes to prioritise the environment in the next election and as such they have put green issues at the forefront of their election manifesto.

They have proposed a Zero Carbon Bill which would introduce the following measures:

1. A new legally binding target for Zero Carbon Britain by 2050.

2. A new legally binding decarbonisation target for the power sector by 2030 to support investment in low carbon electricity.

3. To establish an Office for Accelerated Low Carbon Innovation. This would fast-track new green tech including tidal power, renewable heat, ultra-low emission vehicles, energy storage and CCS.

4. Applying Emissions Performance Standards (EPS) to existing coal plants from 2025 to end use of unabated coal generation.

5. Full borrowing powers to the Green Investment Bank, to further boost investment in low carbon technology.

Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Nick Clegg said:

“It is no exaggeration to say our future, and that of our children, depends upon us tackling climate change head on. The more we delay, the more we are at threat from this ticking time bomb. This is why if in government again we will set about making Britain zero carbon, securing more home grown renewable energy whilst also reducing our reliance on regimes who use western energy needs as a blunt foreign policy tool.” “Our plans are a bold ambition to end Britain's adverse impact on climate change completely, but I believe it can be done within my lifetime.” Ed Davey, Liberal Democrat and Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change added:

“Lib Dems in government have already more than doubled the amount of renewable electricity in the UK and on Thursday I announced a host of green energy projects had won contracts from Government which together could power the equivalent of all households in Wales. Our plans for the future take this to a whole new level.” “Our Zero Carbon Bill will make a huge contribution to creating a stronger economy and a fairer society. A stronger economy means a quarter of a million new green jobs over the next 5 years, and establishing Britain as a world leader in renewable technology.” “A fairer society means not mortgaging the futures of our children and grandchildren by acting now to end the adverse impact of climate change and protect the British landscape and wildlife. The five green laws are nailed to the front page of our manifesto and over the coming days we will flesh our plans to deliver this ambition."