Isn't energy efficiency just as important?
Energy efficiency is essential. It is the other half of the solution to the UK's energy needs. Decreasing electricity demand can deliver immediate benefits both in terms of carbon reductions and energy security. It is also one of the cheapest short term solutions since efficiency in energy use usually also saves on costs.
Energy efficiency enhances the benefits of renewables, by reducing the demand on them and making their positive impact on carbon emissions greater and quicker.
But however much we improve the way we use energy, we are always going to have to generate electricity, and it is vital that we make more use of energy sources that are safe, clean, secure and renewable. Future predictions for transport indicate that we will become even more reliant on electricity, either as a direct source of power or as a means of producing hydrogen for fuel cells.
Both energy efficiency and wind power have important roles to play in a sustainable energy policy of the future and have massive potential to help solve serious local, national and international environmental problems
For more on energy efficiency see:
• Energy Saving Trust
• Association for the Conservation of Energy
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