“This damning report lays bare the economic cost Britain is paying for the government’s internal squabbling and foot-dragging on clean energy. Investors demand certainty, but what ministers have offered them is double-talk and mixed messages. As other major economies like the US and China are embracing clean tech and reaping the rewards by attracting investment, the UK is failing to capitalise on its position as a world leader in green tech.
“Cameron wanted to get rid of the ‘green crap’ and intervened to stop the changes to his energy law that would have boosted green investment across our Islands. Now we know new jobs and industry that could have helped rebalance our economy will go to other countries instead.
“Britain could still reverse part of the damage by backing French and German proposals for a binding 2030 renewables target for Europe. Thurday’s summit with the German Chancellor gives David Cameron the perfect opportunity to send a strong signal that the UK is open for green business.”
ENDS
Key quotes from the report:
“The UK continues to be hampered by political infighting and mixed policy measures. A series of offshore wind project cancellations also helped take it down to fifth place.”
http://www.ey.com/UK/en/Industries/Cleantech/Renewable-Energy-Country-Attractiveness-Index
“Lobbying for the EC [European Commission] to reject calls for a binding 2030 renewable energy target, and yet another close defeat for a proposal to set a 2030 UK decarbonization target in 2014 rather than 2016, has also knocked investor confidence in the Government‘s commitment to a low-carbon future.”
Contact:
Stefano Gelmini
Greenpeace UK, Press officer
mobile: 07506 512 442
twitter: @gelmo1981
skype: gelmo1981
