Renewable energy industry to take off 'if environmental legislation changes'

The renewable energy sector will take off if the government makes changes to environmental legislation and withdraws heavy subsidies in the market.

This is according to Dr John Constable, director of policy and research at the Renewable Energy Foundation, who said that heavily financed sectors are holding back a "renewable renaissance".

He stated: "We will only be on the verge of a renewable boom when government can withdraw subsidies because the industry is fundamentally economic."

Dr Constable added that the government's subsidies to large energy firms "arrest development", as they are "plagued with weak companies and poor products".

The environmental analysis expert stated that this is because the subsidy has time restrictions and therefore, when they are removed, development in the renewable energy sector is hindered.

His comments come after the Department for Energy and Climate Change revealed earlier this week that the government will not achieve renewable energy targets.

A report announced that it will not supply ten per cent of electricity from renewable resources by the end of 2010, contrary to original goals.

Posted by Lauren Steadman