Archived press release

Conservatives launch low-carbon plan

16 January 2009

Commenting on the Conservative party's vision for a low carbon economy,

Friends of the Earth Executive Director, Andy Atkins said:

"We are pleased that the Conservatives have embraced the need for a radical overhaul of the UK's energy infrastructure."

"Their vision for a super smart grid that will manage electricity demand and cut emissions would help create a clean and safe future for us all."

"Their vision and aspiration impresses, and many of their policies are spot on. But there are concerns about some of their plans, while others don't go far enough."

"It is essential that the party now puts delivery of a low carbon economy at the heart of its strategy for tackling the recession."

"Investing in renewable energy, intelligent green technology and cutting energy waste will create jobs and exciting new business opportunities, as well as tackling climate change."

Notes:

Friends of the Earth's view on today's Conservative strategy:

The Conservatives have presented a radical but essential and achievable commitment to overhaul the UK's energy network and create a dynamic, innovative 21st century electricity network which will help households and businesses manage and reduce their electricity demand and facilitate the connection of very high levels of renewable energy to the national grid.

Friends of the Earth believes they should put the creation of the low carbon economy at the heart of their plans for tackling the recession.

Friends of the Earth especially liked:

• Plans for a smart grid with 'dynamic demand' innovations. We also welcome proposals to allow high levels of renewable generation to be connected to it. This will enable the UK to go well beyond its existing EU commitments.

• Support for the generation and use of biogas, Combined Heat and Power and decentralised energy.

• £6500 energy efficiency entitlement for every home

• Commitment to an electric car charging network and offshore wind.

Friends of the Earth thought some polices don't go far enough:

• The timetable for introducing smart meters is much too slow. It should be at 3-4 years, not ten.

• Doing the legal minimum on Energy Performance Certificates - every home and business needs one urgently and they must be seen by prospective buyers.

• Inadequate CCS commitment would leave a loophole for a significant amount of unabated coal generating capacity to remain.

• An incentive to National Grid for direct cables are good, but must go further - the UK also needs to be championing co-operation with other European countries to create a North sea wide grid

• The Conservatives must give a solid commitment that they will significantly boost financial support for marine renewables, including offshore wind, wave and tidal

The Conservatives must immediately ditch their plan to:

• Allow businesses to dodge their responsibilities by insulating employees' homes instead of reducing the carbon emissions of their business

• Clear the way for further expansion of the nuclear power industry

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust