EU TO UK: BUILD OFFSHORE WIND, UP RENEWABLES

Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission (EC), which governs the European Union (EU), says the new rules outlining Phase 3 of the EU’s emissions-reduction/climate change-reversing program will make Europe "…the first economy for the low-carbon age."

If they reach their goals, the EU will leave the U.S. far behind in the development of 21st Century energy. And Maria McCaffery of the British Wind Energy Association thinks the UK share of the goals are within reach: “Wind energy is the next North Sea Oil. Britain could be a world leader in renewable energy if we have the will to make this vision a reality…"

Meanwhile, current U.S. leaders appear ready to let the production tax credits (PTCs) and investment tax credits (ITCs) that have supported unprecedented expansion in U.S. New Energy over the last 3 years lapse, dooming the solar, wind, biomass and other New Energy industries to a year of stagnation.

Just when the jobs and investment these industries have brought and will bring to this teetering economy could mean so much, Senators and Congressmen are succumbing to the bullying of the fossil fuels industries which clamor for the protection of their subsidies - at the cost of tomorrow's energy infrastructure.

To register a demand with Congress for New Energy, see POWER OF WIND.

Maria McCaffery, British Wind Energy Association: “Wind energy is the next North Sea Oil. Britain could be a world leader in renewable energy if we have the will to make this vision a reality…" (click to enlarge)

EU sets UK renewable energy goal
23 January 2008 (BBC News)

WHO
European Commission (EC) (Manuel Barroso, President); John Hutton, UK Business Secretary; Hilary Benn, UK Environment Secretary

WHAT
New rules governing Phase 3 of the EU’s Kyoto Protocols-based emissions-reduction/climate change-reversing program of New Energy development via the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) were announced January 23. British leaders reacted favorably to stipulations for the UK.

WHEN
- The EC is calling for the EU to obtain 20% of its power from New Energy and cut emissions 20% by 2020.
- The EC proposal calls for the UK to obtain 15% of its power from New Energy from cut emissions 16% by 2020.
- The UK got 1.3% of its power from New Energy in 2005.

click to enlarge

WHERE
More developed EU states (Britain, Denmark) will be required to cut more emissions while emerging EU economies (Bulgaria, Romania) will beallowed modest emissions increases.

WHY
- The UK expects to get 5% of its energy from a tide energy development on the River Severn.
- The London Array, a major offshore wind energy development in the Thames River Estuary, is expected to be another significant power source.
- Leaders of energy-intensive industries that expect to continue relying on Old Energy during the upcoming decades welcomed the new EU rules as prudently written to include emissions allowances where they are needed.

A variety of plans are under consideration for the Severn tidal estuary, many with tremendous tidal energy potential. (click to enlarge)

QUOTES
- Hutton, Business Secretary: “The UK is already exploring a vast expansion of wind energy offshore, and tidal power on the Severn…”
- Benn, Environment Secretary: "The increase in renewables is going to be a big step up from where we are now, but we are confident we can do it - we're going to have to work very hard on it."