Renewables industry response to Clean Air Strategy

• Government releases a series of air quality related proposals in its draft Clean Air Strategy
• Renewables industry responds to proposals

Today (22nd May) the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs released a series of proposals for consultation as part of its draft Clean Air Strategy.

James Court, Head of Policy and External Affairs at the Renewable Energy Association commented:

“The Government is right to champion air quality but is misguided in its targeting biomass heating systems. Urban air quality can be best minimised by reducing diesel burning in urban areas and by encouraging walking, cycling, public transport, and vehicles powered by electricity or renewable fuels.

“Biomass boilers are subject to strict emissions criteria and are equipped with filters – and their primary use is in off-gas grid properties away from urban areas.

“Emissions from biomass power sites, such as those converted from disused coal units, are tightly monitored and externally audited. Excluding biomass power from being able to compete in auctions would exclude one of the UK’s cheapest forms of new power generation from accessing the market.“

—ENDS—

For more information or to request an interview, please contact:

Daniel Brown
External Affairs Officer
44 (0)20 7981 0857
[email protected]

Notes to editors

• You can find the consultation here, and the Government’s press release here.

About the Renewable Energy Association (REA)

The Renewable Energy Association represents renewable energy producers and promotes the use of all forms of renewable energy in the UK across power, heat, transport and recycling. It is the largest renewable energy and clean technology (including energy storage and electric vehicles) trade association in the UK, with around 550 members, ranging from major multinationals to sole traders.

For more information, visit: www.r-e-a.net