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Solar firms angry over feed-in tariff review fiasco
14 February 2011
Responding to the angry reaction of firms developing solar farms to the Government's review of the feed-in tariff scheme, Friends of the Earth's Renewable Energy Adviser Alan Simpson said:
"The Government's feed-in tariff review is a complete fiasco that has created total confusion within the energy sector.
"If Ministers have concerns about solar farms they should address them through the planning system - not by undermining confidence in green energy investment.
"We need urgent action to tackle climate change and rising fossil fuel prices - feed-in tariffs have a key role to play in creating a clean energy future."
ENDS
Notes to editors:
1. Friends of the Earth led the successful campaign for a feed-in tariff scheme along with the Renewable Energy Association.
2. Friends of the Earth supports the development of solar farms, but believes applications should only be considered for brownfield sites. The green campaigning charity is also calling for the Government to impose local ownership conditions so the local community own at least 50 per cent of the stakehold. This would mean the huge rise in producing renewable energy needed in the UK happens sustainably - benefiting big society rather than big business. These issues could be addressed through the planning system.
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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Feb 2011
