Meeting energy targets

The UK has signed up to the EU Renewable Energy Directive, which includes a UK target of 15% of energy (electricity, heat and transport) from renewable sources by 2020. The previous government's Energy White Paper (2003) sets a target of 20% of electricity from renewable sources by 2020, 10% by 2010.

The new coalition government continues to regard the development of renewable energy sources as an important issue and has a commitment to consider increasing the level of ambition for energy from renewable sources. In a recent letter to the Committee on Climate Change, the new Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Chris Huhne, has asked them to consider the scope for increasing the current target for 2020 and beyond, having regard to cost-effectiveness and other matters.

It is clear that there is a need for significant additional renewable energy generation facilities as a matter of urgency. There is also a specific need for additional recycled wood biomass facilities in the UK, as a sizeable proportion goes to landfill.

There are currently only a few dedicated power plants in the UK (either in operation or planned) that accept waste wood.

How can the region's renewable energy targets be met?

The East of England Plan (Regional Spatial Strategy) has now been revoked by the new coalition government's Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles. There are, therefore, currently no regional targets. The current government advice is that local authorities will be expected to contribute to the move to a low carbon economy and secure more renewable energy through their development plans.

What contribution would Thetford Renewable Energy Plant make?

The primary biomass fuel would be waste wood that would come from a range of suppliers including forestry sources (branches and tops); commercial and industrial sectors; and construction or demolition activity.