RENEWABLE energy could generate half Britain鈥檚 electricity by 2025, and for
less than new nuclear or coal-fired power stations, according to a government
study leaked to 快猫短视频. The prediction is the most optimistic
yet from any government on the future of Britain鈥檚 鈥済reen鈥� energy.
Power from the Sun, wind, waves and biomass could rise from 3.2 terawatt
hours in 1997 to 180 terawatt hours in 2025, says the internal briefing by the
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Britain鈥檚 total electricity consumption
last year was 345 terawatt hours.
The briefing was given last month by the DTI鈥檚 head of renewables, Godfrey
Bevan, to the department鈥檚 14-member Energy Advisory Panel. It outlines the
preliminary conclusions of the government鈥檚 review of policy on renewable
energy, due to be published in the autumn.
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According to Bevan鈥檚 briefing, the DTI has drawn up detailed scenarios in
which renewables provide 20 per cent of the country鈥檚 electricity by 2010. Yet
when it comes to advice, Bevan is more conservative. His most ambitious
recommendation is that ministers fulfil their commitment to produce 10 per cent
of energy from renewables by 2010.
Greenpeace is critical of the government for not setting higher targets.
鈥淸It] should grasp the opportunity to stimulate a modern new industry for
Britain,鈥� says a spokeswoman.