New guidelines
published today will help regional authorities assess the
potential for renewable and low-carbon energy in their area.
The guidelines, published by the Department of Energy and Climate
Change (DECC) today will help English regions set themselves
ambitious renewable targets in their new Regional Strategies, in
line with the UK's overall target for 15% renewable
energy by 2020.
The document provides regional authorities with guidance on how
to calculate the potential their areas have for renewables . This
might include what the wind speeds are in different areas, how
many houses there are with roof space - and what constraints they
should then apply.
The guidance provides detail on how to assess potential for large
and small scale onshore wind, biomass, hydro power and solar
energy.
Energy Minister Lord Hunt said:
"Our target for renewables is ambitious and we want to
see that ambition reflected at regional and local levels. We must
make the move to low carbon energy supplies and everyone needs to
be involved in that. Nationally we've nearly tripled
renewable electricity since 2002 but more needs to be done.
"Each region in England already has its own renewable
energy target. These new guidelines will help to ensure that in
reviewing these targets, each is setting a target based on similar
methods and assumptions and that the targets are in line with the
UK's overall renewable ambition."
Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) together with new local
leader's boards will be responsible for delivering
ambitious renewable energy targets outlined in their regional strategies.
The methodology will ensure a more strategic approach to
identifying, in general terms and at an early stage, which are
likely to be the most appropriate areas for renewable energy
projects.
Developers will be able use this information when working up
project proposals.
Notes to Editors
The report, Renewable and low-carbon energy capacity methodology,
can be found at: http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/what_we_do/uk_supply/energy_mix/renewable/ored/ored.aspx
Regional Strategies will be commenced on 1 April 2010 under Part
5 of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction
Act. The single Regional Strategy will replace existing Regional
Spatial Strategies and Regional Economic Strategies. The purpose
of the Strategy is to set out a long term (15-20 year timeframe)
strategic, spatial and integrated framework for the regions which
promotes sustainable economic growth, tackles challenges posed by
climate change and contributes to sustainable development. The
Strategy will be expected to contain ambitious targets for
renewable and some forms of low-carbon energy, and must be
approved by the Secretary of State CLG. Further information can be
found at: http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/regionalstrategiesresponses
The nine RDAs are: Advantage West Midlands, East of England
Development Agency, East Midlands Development Agency, London
Development Agency (this methodology does not cover London which
has a different planning regime. However London proposes to use
the methodology to review its evidence base for the London Plan) ,
Northwest Regional Development Agency, One NorthEast, South East
England Development Agency, South West of England Regional
Development Agency and Yorkshire Forward.
All English regions have existing renewable energy targets set
out in their Regional Spatial Strategies. However these will need
to be reviewed as part of the development of the single Regional
Strategy which will replace the existing Regional Spatial Strategy
and Regional Economic Strategy.
Department of Energy and Climate Change
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Contacts:
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