The Government championed a further push for energy efficiency and renewable energy sources in its long-awaited Energy White Paper.
UK Prime Minister Tony Blair has stated that the destruction of the environment and global warming are as great a threat to world peace as terrorism and weapons of mass destruction, in a call for the country to support measures laid down in the new Energy White paper.

The document sets out four main goals for the government’s energy policy:

  • to work towards cutting emissions of carbon dioxide by 60% by 2050;
  • to maintain the reliability of energy supplies;
  • to promote competitive energy markets in the UK and beyond;
  • to eliminate fuel poverty by 2016-18.

These new targets will include large-scale drives for wind and wave-powered energy but they will also affect the traditional construction industry in a number of ways. Planning rules will be amended to unblock hurdles and encourage the use of renewable energy and changes to the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Regulations will be quickened and bolstered to toughen energy efficiency standards in new homes, refurbishments and products.

In addition, work will start immediately on the next major revision to the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Regulations, which will come into effect in 2005. The Government and public sector will set an example by promoting energy conservation and efficiency in buildings and procurement. Product standards will be set higher by considering minimum standards, industry agreements, procurement policy and product performance information.

More emphasis will also be put on the development of renewable energy, especially wind power. The UK is Europe’s windiest nation, with enormous areas suitable for both onshore and offshore installations. Two new offshore schemes were approved by government in mid-March, when plans to build 60 turbines in the Thames Estuary and the Irish Sea off Cumbria were announced. These two wind farms will start on site in 2004.

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor