The guidance published by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) this week to help the regions play their part in meeting the UK’s target of producing 15% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020.

The current figure is around2%.

The DECC document provides regional authorities with guidance on how to calculate the potential their areas have for renewables .

This might include what the wind speeds are in different areas, how many houses there are with roof space – and what constraints they should then apply.

The guidance provides detail on how to assess potential for large and small scale onshore wind, biomass, hydro power and solar energy.

Energy Minister Lord Hunt said: “Our target for renewables is ambitious and we want to see that ambition reflected at regional and local levels.

“We must make the move to low carbon energy supplies and everyone needs to be involved in that. Nationally we’ve nearly tripled renewable electricity since 2002 but more needs to be done.

“Each region in England already has its own renewable energy target. These new guidelines will help to ensure that in reviewing these targets, each is setting a target based on similar methods and assumptions and that the targets are in line with the UK’s overall renewable ambition.”

Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) together with new local leader’s boards will be responsible for delivering ambitious renewable energy targets outlined in their regional strategies.

The report, Renewable and low-carbon energy capacity methodology, can be found here.

Sam Bond

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