The latest official figures show the UK is likely to miss its legally binding 15% renewable energy target for 2020 unless new policy interventions are made.
Having missed its non-binding milestone for 2011-2012, the government will now have to provide the European Commission with an action plan explaining how it will get itself back on track to meet its goal.
“This is a near miss,” said Gaynor Hartnell, CEO of the Renewable Energy Association. “Had Government interfered less with its existing policies for biomass power, stuck to its timetable on the Renewable Heat Incentive, or laid out a clear framework for biofuels, then it would almost certainly have met its indicative target.”
In 2011-2012 the UK derived 3.93% of its total energy use, not just electricity production, from renewables. Its target was 4.04%.
According to the Keep on Track campaign, the EU as a whole is set to achieve its 20% objective. The UK is ranked 25 out of the 27 members being monitored.
Its growth in renewable energy decreased in 2010 and 2011 compared to the six-year average.
In December 2012, the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) claimed that it was on course to hit the target as it announced an increase in electricity production from clean sources.