BIG PUSH BY SOUTH EAST ON RENEWABLE ENERGY

BY 2026, AT LEAST 14% OF THE SOUTH EAST'S ELECTRICITY SHOULD BE SUPPLIED FROM RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES, especially solar and wind energy. This is the key message of the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Strategy published recently by the South East England Regional Assembly.

The new regional strategy- entitled 'Harnessing the Elements- is the first of its kind to be produced in the country. It sets out a clear framework for what needs to be done in the South East to become more energy efficient and increase the region's use of more renewable energy resources, such as wind and solar energy. This framework includes a set of minimum targets for the region. By 2010, at least 4% of our electricity should be generated from renewable energy sources and this should increase to at least 14% by 2026. The Strategy also sets out challenging sub-regional targets for the following sub-regions:

• Thames Valley and Surrey;
• East and West Sussex;
• Hampshire and the Isle of Wight;
• Kent.

Cllr Keith Mitchell, Chairman of the Regional Planning Committee said: "The current level of renewable energy production in the South East- only 0.05%- is negligible. We are starting from a very low base and setting ourselves some challenging and ambitious targets for the next 25 years. However, if we implement the policies recommended in the Strategy and develop the renewable energy resources we have in the region, I think we will not only achieve but exceed these targets."

The Regional Assembly chose Woking- the most energy efficient local authority in the UK and winner of the Queen's Award for Sustainable Development in 2001- as the venue for the launch of this new strategy.

Cllr Mitchell continued: "We in the South East want to lead the way on energy efficiency and renewable energy so that Woking is the norm, not the exception."

Cllr Jim Armitage, Leader of the Executive of Woking Borough Council, added: "Energy efficiency and environmental good practice does not require spending large sums of tax payers' money. By setting clear policy direction and giving political leadership it is possible to make step by step improvements in efficiency that actually saves money over the long term.

"By reinvesting the savings in new measures to attract private investment for both renewable energy and efficiency, then real results can be achieved."

Consultation Process
The Strategy for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy is a consultation document which was launched in Woking on 24 October 2002. Copies of the Strategy, and its accompanying synopsis, are available in the Planning Section of this web site and at public libraries throughout the region. Additional copies of the Strategy can be bought from the Assembly for £15 (inc. VAT). Additional copies of the synopsis are available from the Assembly free of charge.

The Strategy is out for consultation until 9 January 2003. Following this, the draft will be reconsidered in light of the consultation feedback and will be presented to Government in Spring 2003.

Contact

Lesley van Dijk, PR Executive - 01483 555223

Alex Butlin, PR Executive - 01483 555221

Notes to editors:

1. The Regional Assembly is the “voluntary regional chamber” for the South East. It was established in January 1999 to give a representative voice to the South East region which covers Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, East and West Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire, and Surrey.
2. The Assembly is made up of 111 members including elected councillors nominated by the region’s local authorities and 37 representatives from other sectors of the community (including business, trades unions, education, housing, health, sports, culture, tourism, faith groups, environmental, community and voluntary organisations).
3. The Assembly has three areas of core business:
1. It is the representative voice of the South East, engaging and representing its member organisations and, through them, the wider public.
2. The Assembly has a specific role under the Regional Development Agencies' Act 1998 to ensure the accountability of the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) to the region.
3. The Assembly has been the Regional Planning Body for the South East since April 2001. It has responsibility for proposing strategic planning and transport policies to Government.

Last updated: 21 August 2007