With new strict greenhouse gas targets coming into view, the government is forecasting that 3/5 of new cars must be electric by 2030. The UK is recorded to be cutting harmful emission faster than any other G7 nation. However, the Committee on Climate Change is strongly urging ministers to be more focused on the issue. In the government’s clean growth strategy (CGS) multiple policies are outlines to ensure targets are to be met. Millions of pounds are going to be invested in the following areas: charging infrastructure, ultra-low emission vehicles, cycling and walking infrastructure and automated and electric vehicles bill. Their policies will hopefully help the UK reach its Low Carbon Transport targets and reduce our overall carbon footprint.
A new report has made a bold statement that renewable energy will be cheaper than fossil fuels in two years’ time. With new technologies and the reduction in manufacturing costs, low-income countries especially will benefit more from cheaper greener energy. The International Renewable Energy Agency says that the cost of generating renewable energy from sources such as wind farms has fallen by 73%, since 2010. The agency, therefore, has predicted that with the regularly dropping costs that renewable energy technology will be competitive on price with fossil fuels in two years’ time.
France is leading the way in bold renewable energy plans, stating they will be shutting down all coal-fired power plants by 2021. While only 1% of the nation’s power is currently being generated by the polluting plants, it is a great example for the world on tackling the climate change issue. Following suit, the UK has set a date to phase out coal-fired power plants. From October 1st, 2025 the government will be forcing plans to close unless they are equipped with carbon capture technology. While this is not as bold as France, it will reduce plants emission to 450 grams of carbon dioxide for each kilowatt-hour of electricity produced.
MARCH 2018 | MANE ENERGY | 5