Government advised to focus on hitting current renewables targets, not raise them.

Wind power is a major part of the government's renewable plans

The Commitee on Climate Change (CCC) has urged the new coalition government to stay focused on hitting its current target of 15% renewable energy by 2020.

They say this current target is adequate enough to help reduce the country’s carbon budgets, and does not need either increase or reduction.

Currently the UK energy total coming from renewable resources stands at 3%. The current 15% percent figure was set by the EU.

Faster action needed

During the election the Liberal Democrats pledged to increase the target for renewable electricity to up to 30 – 40% if elected.

However the CCC now warns that any increased targets could lead to rapid cost inflation, and states that the drastic action is needed if the government is to hit its 15% aim.

The government is hopeful of achieving 15% by 2020 mostly through off-shore and on-shore wind generation, as well as biomass heating and vehicles run on biofuels.

The CCC has warned the government however that current planning decisions need to sped up in order to hit the target by the deadline, with the Renewable Heat Incentive of particular concern due to fears that it is to be cut or even axed to reduce government spending.

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