First Progress Report on the Promotion and Use of Energy from Renewable Sources for the United Kingdom Article 22 of the Renewable Energy Directive 2009/28/EC

Abstract

The UK Government recognizes the vast and varied resources we have across the UK to provide energy from renewable sources, and has made clear its commitment to meeting our target of 15% target by 2020 from across the electricity, heat and transport sectors. Renewables will play a key role in the decarbonisation of our energy supply, necessary by 2030. They will be crucial to help protect consumers from fossil fuel price fluctuations, help contribute to our long-term energy security, and drive investment in new jobs and businesses. Our Carbon Plan suggests that around 40-70GW1 of new low carbon electricity generating capacity will be needed by 2030. Our analysis shows that renewables could provide 35-50GW of that capacity. However delivering this will require us to work with the market to significantly reduce costs and remove barriers.