Environmental legislation news: Tories pledge more funding for renewable energy research

Shadow minister for climate change Greg Barker has claimed that a Conservative government would commit to increasing funding levels provided for research into renewable energy sources and technology.

In an interview with Building Sustainable Design, Mr Barker criticised Labour for not putting enough focus on renewable power but explained that his party would do more to encourage the sector.

He said: "We aim to put in place policies that will create a competitive green market and attract private investment, create jobs and provide for innovative research, design and implementation of novel renewable technologies."

Mr Barker added that the introduction of smart meters to UK homes would be a key part of its energy strategy and their use would be utilised to increase the amount of electricity generated from renewable sources.

Acknowledging that other forms of energy generation would need to comprise the energy mix, he stressed that nuclear power would not be viewed as an alternative to the development and expansion of renewables.

Earlier this year, Labour announced its proposals to introduce a low-carbon energy grid to the country through the introduction of smart meters in every home by 2020.

Posted by Claire Manning