Lower carbon energy in the UK: The legislation
16-06-08
The transformation of the energy market in the UK is being driven by changing legislation - internationally and at home - to promote renewable energy as an answer to energy security and environmental concerns.
With the international Kyoto Protocol agreement and an anticipated successor deal driving global change, Europe is now working under a new common energy policy aiming at 20% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020.
A string of new European Directives, most notably a new Renewable Energy Directive, are now being prepared in Brussels and Strasbourg to drive forward this common policy.
Under the EU proposals, Britain looks certain to be set a national target to source 15% of its energy from renewables by 2020.
Even before the new wave of European legislation is finalised, the UK government is already working to implement its own new approach to energy.
A series of Bills are passing through Parliament, with further Bills to be introduced to Parliament soon, to help drive improvements in the planning system, energy transmission networks and in helping to encourage investment and innovation in renewable energy and emission reduction programmes in the UK.
And, a new Renewable Energy Strategy has just been launched this summer for consultation, laying out the government's long-term ambitions in promoting renewable electricity, heat and transport fuels.
Meanwhile, within both Europe and the UK, the authorities are paving the way for technologies outside the renewables field to help reduce the energy sector's carbon footpring - including more nuclear power and the use of carbon capture and storage technology (CCS) to "clean up" the use of fossil fuels.
Our legislation section provides some details of the significant new legislation driving the current transformation of the energy sector - with information on:
Also, see our legislation news section for the latest updates on the progression of energy legislation affecting the UK - from the European Union in Brussels and Strasbourg to the government in Westminster and the devolved administrations in Belfast, Cardiff and Edinburgh:
