Renewables strong in spite of nuclear lobby

In a recent speech Prime Minister Tony Blair said: “The 2003 Energy White Paper does not contain proposals for building new nuclear power stations. However, we do not rule out the possibility that at some point in the future new nuclear build might be necessary if we are to meet our carbon targets.”

This ambiguity of the approach to nuclear power disturbs some of those heading the UK’s renewable energy industry. Jeremy Leggett, chief executive of photovoltaic specialist Solar Century, says that while investment in renewables isn’t directly affected, the nuclear industry has a strong lobbying presence: “The nuclear industry is well represented in pr and can inflict needless harm on the renewables industry which is rather irksome.”

Leggett, who also sits on the government Renewables Advisory Board, believes that the government ‘options open’ brief on energy prevents the renewables sector getting more support. However, he sees a bright future: “We are cautiously optimistic. We are growing fast and our sales levels are bigger both in terms of individual building projects and multiple developments in housing. We are very excited about the way local government is applying the planning requirements and on the whole the market is looking quite rosy.”

Although the UK renewables sector receives less support than those in Germany or Japan, the industry is growing stronger: “We are an embryonic industry, and we have made a little go a long way,” says Leggett.