George Osbourne, Chancellor of the Exchequer, has repeated the Government’s support for renewable energy, saying it “will play a crucial part in the energy mix” in yesterday’s budget speech. However, with the exception of a move to help combined heat & power plants (CHP), most of the measures seemed to be more aimed at extending the life of North Sea gas production rather than helping newer forms of energy. The Chancellor also missed any opportunity to clarify the support regime for small scale renewables.
This means that the Green Energy Supply Certification Scheme remains a key way for householders wishing to maximise their use of renewable energy. Although signing up to the Scheme does not immediately guarantee new production coming on stream, it creates demand for renewables among the larger UK energy suppliers, which helps stimulate longer term investment in large renewable energy projects – precisely those that offer best value in both economic and carbon terms. And that’s something the Chancellor should approve of!
