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Welcome to the website. Our aim is to provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions about renewable energy. The site includes useful background information on each renewable energy source, the technology currently available, and current and likely future developments. You may find the information in the economics sections (currently under construction) of each energy source particularly relevant as these highlight key benefits and issues from an investor's perspective. A Business Case will also be available shortly. The Links section provides direct access to other useful organisations involved in renewable energy.
Encouraging recent research indicates that 81% of potential investors and their advisors in the UK have a positive attitude towards renewable energy. They recognise that there are now good financial reasons to invest, with 74% stating that they are definitely interested in investing in renewable energy.
Climate change is no longer just an environmental problem - it is now an economic reality;
- Economic losses in Europe because of the 2003 summer drought were as high as £7bn in the agriculture sector alone
- Increased insurance premiums are being implemented across Europe to cope with the number and frequency of extreme weather events
In addition, the majority of our power is currently produced from fossil fuels such as natural gas and coal - these resources will not last for ever and we need to develop a means of replacing these fuels whilst minimising the impacts of energy production on the environment.
For these reasons the UK Government has committed to reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and to halt the tide of climate change. Long term targets backed by incentives have been introduced to increase the use of renewable sources in energy production.
Investment in this important industry is now needed. We recognise there are issues which need to be addressed and we are working hard with the investment industry to overcome them. This website aims to provide information on each source of renewable energy as well as access to financial and economic information as and when it becomes available.
If you would like more information on any of the energy sources shown, please refer to the Links section of the site, where you will find links to many renewable energy trade associations.
In addition, please address any further queries you may have to internet.team@dti.gsi.gov.uk
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