Super heroes

As a result of this green revolution, the next 12 years are likely to see hundreds more onshore wind turbines and a series of giant offshore wind farms. There will be developments to exploit bio-energy from waste. The possibility of a feed-in tariff has been mooted to encourage take-up of micro-generation technologies.

All this might actually reduce the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions – if the rise in electricity consumption can be halted. It might also encourage development of new renewable technologies. If nothing else, it should improve the grid energy mix and reduce the nation’s dependence on oil and gas.

But this initiative is not without its problems. As fuel prices soar, greening the power supply is likely to push up energy costs still further. The main problem, as Paul Goby, chief executive of energy supplier E.On, highlights is that we would probably require 45GW of conventional back-up for 50GW of renewables for when the wind stops blowing.

That is why a German plan for a European renewables super-grid deserves serious consideration. It is part of a radical plan to turn deserts into huge solar thermal power stations that could provide Europe with up to 20% of its electricity. These desert stations would be linked to other sustainable power generation centres throughout Europe, such as Britain’s new legions of offshore wind farms or hydro-electric power in Scandinavia. This would avoid over-reliance on one or two countries as providers and on a particular renewable energy source.

Last December ministers from Europe, the Middle East and North Africa agreed a six-year action plan. Meanwhile the UK government looks set to embark on a series of new coal-fired and nuclear power stations. The holistic approach to renewables and the case for a super-grid is particularly compelling for the UK. All that is needed is a vision and government leadership. Now that would be a bold commitment.