George Osborne left green groups with little to cheer in his 2013 Autumn Statement, as he announced tax breaks for shale gas and declared that “going green didn't have to cost the earth”.
Find out exactly how the Autumn Satement unfolded and how the industry reacted below:
Nick Boyle, CEO, Lightsource Renewable Energy:
“Our goal is to diversify the electricity market to produce affordable energy for UK consumers. Our hope was that the Government would want the same. Sadly today’s statement demonstrates the Treasury remains aligned to the short term interest of big energy companies, rather than thinking long term to drive market competition and lower prices.
“Yes, wholesale solar costs are falling but not enough to justify the strike prices suggested. Solar power is the global energy success story, to show preference for off shore wind is simply counter intuitive. We welcome the growth of all renewables, but the support of one technology should not be to the detriment of others. Ultimately the Government has missed an opportunity to act boldly and change the direction of our energy future.”
David Nussbaum, chief executive, WWF-UK:
“On environmental issues, George Osborne still seems keener to look to the past than to look to the future. Championing the oil and gas sector and handing out tax breaks for fracking jars with the David Cameron’s instance that we’re in a global race to benefit from the green economy.
“The Prime Minister has just come back from China, where this year already more than half of the new power capacity added to the grid has come from renewable energy [1]. Sadly, he returns to find his own Chancellor determined to push Britain back to ever more reliance on fossil fuels.”
Andy Atkins, executive director, Friends of the Earth:
“Yet again the long-term health of our economy has been completely undermined by the chancellor’s short-sighted determination to keep the nation hooked on dirty and increasing costly fossil fuels.
“Handing tax-breaks to climate-wrecking fracking firms simply highlights the fact that George Osborne hasn't done his homework: they won’t lower bills, MPs say they are unjustified – and they could be illegal.
“The quickest and most cost-effective way to tackle rising energy bills, and end the scandal of thousands of people dying in heat-leaking homes, is to invest in a comprehensive insulation programme. But the government has caved in to Big Six pressure and given energy efficiency the cold shoulder.
“Building a strong economy and protecting the environment are two sides of the same coin, but yet again the government has left them both short-changed.”
David Taylor, business development manager, UFW:
“The Chancellor’s statement that subsidies will be reduced for onshore wind and solar power highlights that the cost of the technologies are coming down. These technologies are leading the race for cost-competitiveness with fossil fuels, and that must be welcomed.
“The Government has set out clear objectives for renewable energy, cutting carbon emissions and minimising the cost to consumers. Ongoing investment and attracting investors from around the world will be key to ensuring our future. But ministers need to review the support given to oil, gas and coal if we are truly going to achieve a sustainable future; renewables are often criticised for relying on subsidies, however it is less well known that fossil fuels received £2bn of support this year alone.”