As worldwide energy demand continues to rise, there is an increasing need to develop renewable energy sources.  Fossil fuels produce carbon dioxide and other harmful gases which contribute to climate change; and greater competition for fewer resources is leading to rising oil prices and energy instability.  Most renewable energy comes from the heat and light of the sun (wind, solar, wave) and produces no harmful emmissions.  Reliable, clean and affordable energy sources like these are vital for future prosperity and the UK government is taking the issue very seriously, through renewable energy legislation, incentives and commercialisation.

The UK aims to source 10% of its energy from renewable sources by 2010.  As of 2006 the figure was 4.5% but new renewable energy projects are being implemented regularly.  The energy output from renewable sources has in fact doubled since 1998.  The UK has the best wind resources in Europe and in years to come the wind could provide a significant proportion of our overall energy needs.

The North East is expected to expand its renewable energy production to a greater extent than the national average, as the region the has the second largest renewable energy capacity in England behind the East region.  Wind power has great potential in the North East but the primary renewable energy source is through biofuels, which include wood, plant material and gas emitted from landfill sites.

There are a number of incentives for businesses involved in renewable energy.  A recent development is the Technology Programme, a programme that assists businesses with their technology development. BERR (Business, enterprise and regulatory reform) also offers funding to help with development of new and renewable energy sources.  Further help can be gained from The Carbon Trust and by exemptions from the Climate Change Levy.

Other European countries such as Austria, Sweden, Latvia and Denmark have made remarkable progress with renewable energy, with more than half of all power generated by renewable sources in many areas.  These countries have very different natural resources to the UK, and smaller populations spread over wider areas, so it may be unrealistic for the UK to match their renewable output, but nevertheless it should be these examples we look to as we try to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.

Fact File

• 82% of the general public are in favour of wind power and 59% would be happy to live within 5km (3 miles) of a wind power development.

• 8,000 jobs are currently sustained by the renewable energy industry. The market itself is valued at around £280 million.

• By 2020, assuming 20 per cent of UK electricity comes from renewable sources, the market will grow to a value of between £15 and £19 billion, and could support between 17,000 and 35,000 jobs.

• The Renewables Obligation is the Government’s main means of support for renewable energy. It requires all electricity suppliers in England and Wales to buy a proportion (which increases every year) of their energy from renewable sources. By 2010 the scheme will provide the industry with £1 billion of support a year.