May 3, 2007
No rush for UK energy white paper
Many in the UK energy industry have grown increasingly frustrated waiting for the UK government to publish its energy white paper, which will set the framework for future energy policy and most likely kick-start the building of new nuclear reactors. After several delays, the paper is now expected in the second half of May. But the Renewable Energy Association says the government should not be too hasty. In a statement, it argues that publication of the white paper should be postponed in order to include measures needed to meet new European Union targets, such as a 20 per cent reduction in energy consumption by 2020. “We can’t keep tinkering with our energy policy – this is the last chance to get on the right path and stay there,” says Philip Wolfe, chief executive of the REA, which represents a range of UK energy companies and technology providers.
