better generation

 Two thirds of the public think that the government should be more ambitious with its financial incentives for renewable energy microgeneration. According to a YouGov poll by Friends of the Earth, 71% say that they would install small scale renewable energy systems such as solar panels, micro hydroelectric and wind turbines, if they were paid enough. Government research also claims that small scale renewable microgeneration can meet up to a third of the UK’s electricity demands. However, the current target is to meet only 2% of the UK’s electricity demand from microgeneration.

“Introduc[ing] an ambitious tariff... will help tackle climate change, create new jobs and businesses and reduce reliance on fossil fuels,” said Friends of the Earth executive director Andy Atkins. The Co-operative Group is also among the businesses pushing for Feed-in Tariffs that offer a greater level of return to the microgeneration industry, to match that enjoyed by large renwables through the Renewables Obligation. 88% of the public also believe that investment in renewable energy would result in greater energy security and less dependence on imported gas supplies. Additionally, 79% think renewable energy would boost the economic recovery by creating jobs, as well as tackling climate change. Therefore, although the investment may be at the expense of other things, many believe it would be worth it.

Feed-in Tariffs are part of the government’s Clean Energy Cashback scheme, which is due to commence in April this year.