Renewable energy Renewable energy is becoming increasingly popular as homeowners strive to avoid the rising costs of gas and electricity. Renewables such as solar panels, heat pumps and wind turbines use a natural energy source to generate heat and electricity and this can then be used in homes.

And David Cameron has come out in support of renewable energy, saying it’s vital for the future of the country and needs to become financially sustainable.

Cameron addressed ministers at the Clean Energy Ministerial and said the UK was already playing “a leading role at the forefront of [the] green energy revolution”.

In his speech, Cameron outlined the need for a “more diverse, cleaner mix of energy sources”. This would provide security in the renewable energy industry and help meet the expected 40% rise in energy over the next two decades.

The Prime Minister added: “I passionately believe the rapid growth of renewables is vital to our future. Renewable energy is not just good for our environment but we believe it’s very good business too.”

Renewable energy can take many forms, using solar, wind and geothermal heat to generate energy. With renewables you can:

  • Generate free electricity for over 25 years, which will reduce your energy bills by as much as £300 a year
  • This will help you escape the rising energy prices and avoid fuel poverty
  • And you’ll be using an environmentally friendly source and reducing your home’s carbon emissions
  • The energy saving potential will also add value to your home

Speaking at the meeting, Cameron said of the UK renewables industry: “Britain has gone from virtually no capacity for renewables, to seeing them provide almost 10 per cent of our total electricity needs last year.

“And we’ve added more capacity for renewables in the last two years than at any time in the last decade. Our commitment and investment in renewable energy has helped to make renewable energy possible. Now we have a different challenge. We need to make it financially sustainable.”

Addressing the criticised reduction in feed-in tariff rates, Cameron said he felt it was right for incentives to fall in line with the reduced cost of solar panels. Although he did say there was a need for clarity and stability in Government policies.

Earlier in the year there was a fierce court battle between the Department of Energy and Climate Change and leading solar companies, after the Government cut feed-in tariff rates by 50%.

But even though the cuts are now in place solar panels still provide:

  • Free electricity for 25 years, with annual savings close to £300
  • An environmentally friendly energy to generate electricity, reducing carbon
  • The same return of investment rates as 2011, between 10% and 15%
  • Value to your home, with energy saving potential