Join the energy revolution
Join the energy revolution
We need to revolutionise the way we power the
UK if we are going to tackle the twin challenges
of spiralling energy bills and dangerous climate
change.
Tapping into the vast renewable energy potential
of our islands – the sun, wind, tides and waves
– will help keep global temperatures in check
and generate a clean and long lasting energy
supply. A thriving renewable energy industry will
also generate billions of pounds and hundreds of
thousands of jobs in the UK.
Did you know
The UK generates less
than 2 per cent of its
energy from renewable
power. Sweden generates
around 40 per cent.
Did you know
A third of the UK’s
total carbon dioxide
emissions are
caused by generating
electricity in fossil
fuel power stations.
The good news is that the Government
is discussing a European agreement on
renewable energy which would commit the UK
to delivering 15 per cent of our energy from
renewable sources by 2020.
This exciting progress could kick start the
energy revolution we so desperately need yet
the Government is trying to wriggle out of its
commitments.
The revolution needs you
Away from the public gaze, the Government has
been pushing for get-out clauses in the European
agreement. Ideas have included, for example,
allowing countries to count investment in renewable
energy projects overseas towards their national
targets, despite these projects having no impact on
our own domestic emissions.
Did you know
New large-scale wave
and wind energy
projects alone could
employ up to 45,000
people in the UK by
2010.
Another idea has been to give credit for coal power stations which
demonstrate capture and storage of carbon dioxide emissions underground
– a technology which is unproven on a commercial scale.
Did you know
Germany’s plans to
cut emissions will
save households and
industry an estimated 5
billion Euros by 2020.
Supporting renewable energy worldwide and
exploring the potential of carbon capture and
storage is important but must not divert us from
creating a thriving, home grown renewable energy
industry and cutting carbon emissions here in the
UK. Ultimately it makes long-term economic sense
to lead the way in Europe and give business
leaders the confidence to invest in the UK.
We can revolutionise the way we power the UK. We have the know-how and
some of the biggest renewable energy potential in Europe. What we need is
our Government to deliver on its promises.
Join the energy revolution today
Ask your MP to urge the Prime Minister to build a home grown UK
energy industry.
Visit: www.foe.co.uk/energyrevolution
Change is possible
When 200,000 people
demanded a climate change
law through our Big Ask
campaign the Government
listened! Change is possible
– let’s do it again.
Dispelling the Myths
Myth: Renewable energy cannot keep the lights on – we need coal
and nuclear for back up
Fact: As the new renewable energy industry gears up we will
need to continue using some existing coal and nuclear power
stations to meet our energy needs. However in the long term
renewable energy is the answer. Several EU countries are
already producing more than 20 per cent of their energy from
renewable sources. It’s ambitious, but a number of studies
have shown how the UK can produce 15 per cent by 2020,
setting the stage for a UK energy revolution by 2050.
What’s clear is that it isn’t the technology that’s holding us
back – it’s the political will.
Myth: Wind farms don’t work when the wind isn’t blowing
Fact: The UK is the windiest country in Europe. Less windy
countries like Germany are already meeting 7 per cent of
their electricity needs from wind. It is true that wind turbines
only operate when the wind blows, but we have a plentiful
supply during the colder months when energy is needed
most. And while we can’t rely on wind alone to provide for all
our energy needs there are plenty of alternative renewable
energy sources such as solar, wave and tidal.
Myth: Renewable energy will add £££’s to our energy bills
Fact: Whatever happens we are going to have to spend
money on replacing our old and dilapidated energy
infrastructure. We can spend this money in the right way
or the wrong way. Prices of oil, coal and gas have risen
massively in recent months and these fuels are only likely to
become more expensive as supplies continue to dwindle and
energy demand rises world-wide. Investing in home grown
renewable energy means we will have a safe, stable supply of
energy and we will be protected from future price hikes.
Friends of the Earth is the collective name for Friends
of the Earth Trust, registered charity 281681, company
number 1533942, and Friends of the Earth Limited,
company number 1012357. In both cases the registered
office is at 26-28 Underwood Street, London N1 7JQ.
www.foe.co.uk
September 2008
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