New research by a London-based consultancy shows that British Independence from the EU-block is likely to put the UK’s 2020 and 2030 renewables targets under threat, and with it further uncertainty on the future sustainability of the industry. The offshore wind industry is currently estimated to contribute more than £1 billion to the UK economy – a figure hitherto predicted to grow significantly by 2020. Whilst the full impact of Brexit is difficult to predict, it is well understood that energy and the environment are key pillars of EU legislation, and have, over time, intricately bolstered every facet of UK energy law and policy. In their study, authors Dr. Lee Clarke and Dr. Steve Freeman, both Directors of the Renewables Consulting Group warn: “Brexit will have far reaching implications for the UK renewables sector in terms of investment and legislation.
Scottish Energy News 7th July 2016 read more »
What will Brexit mean for European climate and energy policy? How will it affect the dynamics of greater climate protection that we are taking pains to maintain in the wake of Paris? The EU is currently negotiating a major climate and energy framework for 2030. The Commission had already presented proposals for a reform of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) last summer. The sectors involved in the EU ETS are responsible for around half of Europe’s carbon emissions. Mandatory targets for emissions not covered by the EU ETS are to be presented on July 20, 2016. The EU’s Effort Sharing Decision provides for individual mitigation targets for each Member State. A Commission proposal to ratify the Paris climate agreement is also expected for this summer. In autumn, energy issues will be on the agenda, with legislative proposals on energy efficiency and renewable energy. All of these efforts remain overshadowed by the question of whether the EU will raise its hopelessly outdated and unambitious climate targets for 2030 and 2050 following the Paris agreement, and if so, when. Brexit is not simplifying any of these debates. The previous rapporteur on emissions trading in the European Parliament, Scottish Conservative Ian Duncan, has resigned.
Energy Transition 6th July 2016 read more »
Sinister right wing forces are set on crushing UK environmental laws, the country’s top climate change advisor told a meeting of business leaders in London on Wednesday. Lord Deben said the Brexit vote on 23 June had empowered what he termed an “unpleasant group of politicians” who saw it as a “first step” to cutting green regulations. “We will be faced by a concerted very well-funded series of attempts to reduce protection of environment and workers’ rights and we are going to have to have to fight it,” he said an event hosted by the Aldersgate Group. UK secretary of state for the environment from 1993 to 1997, Deben compared some of those advocating for a split with Europe to supporters of fascism in the 1930s.
Climate Home 6th July 2016 read more »