Letwin talks up Coalition green policy
Oliver Letwin, Minister of State for the Cabinet Office, today talked up the Government’s programme of green measures, including key subsidy schemes rumoured to be under threat of Treasury cuts.
Speaking at the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, Letwin reiterated David Cameron’s pledge to be the “greenest Government ever”, backing among other measures, the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) and the Feed-in Tariffs (FiTs) – two schemes many are now worried may be slashed in this month’s Comprehensive Spending Review.
Linking these with other policies, such as the Green Deal, the Green Investment Bank and investment in electric vehicles, Letwin, said they all fitted together “in one coherent vision”, which the Coalition Government was committed to over the long-term.
“This programme is the result of careful thought and real planning. It is not for tomorrow or the day after, but for the long-term. And it starts now,” he told the second day of the conference themed ‘green growth’.
The renewable energy industry has been waiting for months now for the Coalition Government to make a statement on the RHI, which is due to launch in April 2011 and will offer a subsidy to a range of renewable heat technologies, such as solar thermal, air and ground source heat pumps and renewable combined heat and power.
Meanwhile, there are reports the Government is planning to slash the FiTs, which were introduce last April to incentivise investment in technologies that generate renewable electricity.
Letwin today described the RHI as a “crucial part” of the Government’s programme to cut carbon and maintain energy security. He added the FiTs would “turn hundreds of thousands of houses into sources of energy.”
Those working in the renewable energy industry, today, welcomed Letwin’s speech but said the Government now needed to come forward with concrete plans.
“It’s great news the Government is supporting the Renewable Heat Incentive – now we need to hear the details and find out how much it is prepared to pay and how it will be delivered,” said Juliet Davenport, chief executive officer at Good Energy.
Friends of the Earth’s executive director Andy Atkins, added: “If the Conservative party wants to fulfil David Cameron’s pledge to be the greenest Government ever it must follow up with bold action to make it a reality.”
With thanks to Greenewisebusiness.