LEMBIT ÖPIK MP CALLS FOR LEGISLATION TO BOOST LOCAL RENEWABLE ENERGY SCHEMES

4.58.12pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 22nd Oct 2008

Lembit Öpik, Liberal Democrat MP for Montgomeryshire, has joined green campaigners, business groups and trade unions to call on the Government to pass new legislation that would boost the roll out of small scale renewable energy systems such as wind and water turbines and solar panels.

Öpik is backing the introduction of a renewable energy tariff (sometimes called a feed in tariff) - which would guarantee a long-term, premium payment to households, businesses and communities that generate their own energy from renewable energy sources. Joining campaigners in Parliament last week Lembit Opik signed his backing for the measure on a solar panel and viewing a renewable model village of the future.

Lembit Opik MP said:

"The Government must act now and introduce a renewable energy tariff for local renewable energy schemes. Local people and businesses that want to invest currently aren't given the support they need. A renewable energy tariff is a simple and cost-effective way for the government to make sure they are properly rewarded. I'll do everything I can to support this vital measure."

Friends of the Earth's Senior Parliamentary Campaigner Dave Timms said:

"Local renewable energy schemes could play a crucial role in tackling climate change and cutting fuel bills - but current government policies just aren't working. A renewable energy tariff would give a strong financial incentive for households, businesses and communities to invest in their own clean, green energy generation systems. We applaud Lembit Opik MP's support for this timely and important measure."

The Renewable Energy Association's Head of External Affairs Leonie Greene said:

"The Renewable Energy Tariff will empower local people and local councils to invest in renewables - not just big business. In Europe you can find entire villages not only self-sufficient in renewable energy but making money from exporting their excess renewable power. MPs like Lembit Opik are fighting in Westminster for the Tariff so that people and councils concerned about climate change and the rising cost of energy can afford to take action themselves."

Ends/diwedd

Notes to editor:

1. A study by the Energy Saving Trust in 2007 found that 30-40 % of the UK's energy could be provided by micro renewable schemes for homes, businesses and the community.

2. The renewable energy tariff scheme has the support of 35 organisations, including the British Retail Consortium, Chartered Institute of Housing, Compass, Country Land and Business Association (CLA), Energy Saving Trust, Energywatch, Federation of Master Builders, Greenpeace, Ground Source Heat Pump Association, Home Builders Federation, Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Micropower Council, National Energy Action, National Farmers Union, National Home Improvement Council, National Union of Teachers, Neal's Yard Remedies, New Economics Foundation, Places for People, Public and Commercial Services union (PCS), RIBA, RSPB, Schott, Sharp, Solar Trade Association, Solarcentury, The Co-operative Group, The Premises Recording Studio, TUC, UK Green Building Council, Unison, Worcester Bosch Group, World Future Council, WWF-UK.

3. A UK version of the renewable energy tariff, has been proposed by a cross party group of Peers as an amendment to the Energy Bill, currently going through parliament. The scheme, if adopted, would provide a reward for homeowners and businesses that invested in renewable energy projects such as wind turbines on farms, or solar panels on the roofs of homes or businesses.

4. Over 120 MPs have signed a parliamentary petition calling for a 'renewable energy tariff amendment to the Energy Bill'.

5. Seventeen European countries have adopted a renewable energy tariff system with considerable success. In 2007 Germany generated 14.2% of its electricity from renewable sources, compared with just 5% in the UK. The German renewable energy industry has a turnover of £20bn and employs 249,000 (compared to a UK sector that employs about 20,000 people). Germany generates 200 tines more solar energy than the UK.

6. Friends of the Earth believes the environment is for everyone. We want a healthy planet and a good quality of life for all those who live on it. We inspire people to act together for a thriving environment. We campaign on a range of issues including climate change, biodiversity, waste, transport and food. For further information visit www.foe.co.uk