UK should raise renewable targets, says leaked report
Date: 01-Feb-02
Country: UK
Prime Minister Tony Blair is currently studying the report, which he commissioned last year as part of a root-and-branch review of Britain's energy needs over the next 50 years.
The review, due to be officially published shortly but a draft of which has been published on the Internet, suggests Britain increase its target of renewable electricity production to 20 percent by 2020 from 10 percent by 2010.
Blair said last year he wanted the energy review to look at tackling global warming and ensuring "secure, diverse and reliable energy supplies at a competitive price."
Britain aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions, blamed by many scientists for contributing to global warming, by 23 percent on 1990 levels by 2010.
This is almost double the target of 12.5 percent to which the UK is committed under the Kyoto protocol.
At present barely three percent of power in Britain is classed as renewable, most of it wind and hydro-electric power.
As for the politically-sensitive issue of nuclear power, the review by Downing Street's Performance and Innovation Unit (PIU) says the option should be kept open, pointing out that nuclear offers zero-carbon emissions.
According to the leaked draft, the PIU report also says the risks of relying on imported gas can be managed through enhanced diplomatic activity. It highlighted the fact that 70 percent of the world's gas supplies can be accessed from Europe.
Britain is set to become 70 percent dependent on natural gas for power generation and heating in homes by 2020 from the current 40 percent. The country will become a net importer by 2004/2005.
The leaked draft said that deep carbon dioxide cuts of 60 percent which an environmental watchdog has recommended are possible at a cost which is bearable.
"Credible scenarios for 2050 can deliver a 60 percent cut in CO2 emissions, but large changes would be needed both in the energy system and in society," the report said.
