Parties Fail to Address Needs of Renewables Industry in Election Campaign

Renewable energy companies overwhelmingly believe that the needs of the industry have not been properly addressed during the ongoing election campaign, a survey carried out by the Renewable Energy Association (REA) has revealed.

Of the 136 REA members who responded to the survey, 95% said that they did not ‘feel that the political parties are addressing the needs of the renewable energy during this election campaign’.

The Green Party was viewed as the party that would be ‘best for the renewable energy industry’ (29%) with the Liberal Democrats seen as the next best.

Members were less optimistic about the two parties most likely to form a government after the election. Nearly a fifth (18%) of respondents believed that the industry would be in the best hands under Labour, whereas the Conservatives received the support of 15%.

Members also stated the government policies which would be a priority for their business. Over half (56%) stated that the Feed-in Tariff was the most important policy, with the Renewable Heat Incentive close behind on 52%. Moreover, the 2030 decarbonisation target was high on the list of priorities for a significant number (44%) of respondents.

Commenting on the findings of the survey, Chief Executive of the Renewable Energy Association (REA), Dr Nina Skorupska, said:

“These figures show first-hand the concern of renewable energy companies up and down the country at how the political parties are failing to adequately address the needs of our industry.

“The next government will need to show much more leadership early on and face-up to the challenge of ensuring that the UK meets its ambitious renewables targets, which will allow our industry to play a key role if the regulatory environment enables us to expand, innovate and thrive.

“We very much look forward to working with the next government to address the concerns of the renewable energy, ensuring the UK makes the transition to the low-carbon economy that will bring with it cheaper bills, more jobs and greater energy security.”