Green businesses in the UK behind EU standards

Thursday, September 17, 2009

British industry needs to do more for renewable energy goals.

By Jenifer Courtney

By 2020, a fifth of the EU's energy consumption must come from renewable sources, according to the government's renewable energy strategy.

However, a lack of investment and renewable technology in the UK energy sector means businesses have a long way to go to meet green targets.

John Barwise, chairman of the Cumbria Green Business Forum, said: "The UK now has to play catch-up.

"We desperately need to rebuild the UK's power industry and to invest now in training and skills, especially in new technologies, to ensure a sustainable power resource in the UK for future generations."

Earlier this month, the Energy & Utility Skills council called for a more skilled workforce in the power industry, especially with respect to proposed power stations renewal plans.

According to chief executive Tim Balcon, new low-carbon technologies and strategies mean a 700 per cent increase in trainees within the next 15 years.

Source: ask-re The Property People LLP