What are the renewable energy targets?
Under international targets agreed in the Kyoto Protocol, and adopted by the UK Parliament in 2002, the UK has pledged to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 12.5% by 2012 – compared to 1990 levels. The UK Government has set itself a higher domestic target for cutting levels of carbon dioxide emissions – by 20% by 2010 using the same baseline. Carbon dioxide is the largest single contributor to climate change. Alongside these targets are new statutory requirements on electricity suppliers to source up to 10% of their power from renewable sources by 2010, and 15% by 2015. A further ‘aspirational goal’ for 20% of electricity to come from renewables by 2020 has also been set. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have made their own arrangements for increasing their use of clean energy, with Scotland aiming for 40% renewables generation by 2020.
