http://www.newenergyworldnetwork.com/renewable-energy-news/by-technology/energy-efficiency-by-technology-renewable-energy-news/uk-industry-calls-for-energy-policy-clarity-welcomes-green-investment-bank.html

Calls for the UK coalition government to clarify its energy policy and establish a regulatory framework have been stepped up by a group of energy industry leaders including the New Economics Foundation (NEF), the Energy Saving Trust (EST) and the Energy Institute (EI).

The group agreed that renewable energy infrastructure is urgently required if the UK is to meet 2020 and 2050 carbon emission targets, during recent talks.
It highlighted that despite overarching objectives having been laid by the UK government, businesses need to know where they stand against targets that are constantly shifting by being amended or updated.
EST strategy manager for renewables, Rob Lewis, said, ‘Setting targets is easy; the difficulty is in the detail. For these actions to take place, businesses need to have the confidence in these policies to know that they are not going to change and that they will be supported in trying to achieve them.’
‘The problem is that some businesses are not yet convinced that they will get a return on the green skills investment they need to make, because they have not got the policy certainty they need,’ added Caroline Doble, director of carbon services at consultancy Utilyx.
The group has welcomed the introduction of a Green Investment Bank in order to create investment opportunity geared towards meeting climate targets, but warned that pressure must not let up on private sector investment.
Dr Victoria Johnson, acting head of climate change and energy at the New Economics Foundation, said, ‘It is clear that if the current coalition government wishes to be the greenest government ever it should capitalise on the willingness of business. A Green Investment Bank could play a key role in directing revenue, and provide an environment of opportunity towards this transformation. But, the private sector too has a key role to play in providing significant amounts of finance.’