The deployment of solar pv technology is top priority for the UK’s new Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, with hopes of “unleashing a new solar revolution” on the cards.
Commenting on her new role, Amber Rudd, said: “We have a million people living under roofs with solar panels and that number needs to increase.” This figure relates to the number of households who have installed solar pv under the feed-in-tariff which proved popular under the previous coalition who favoured solar pv deployment on the UK’s rooftops.
There is a worry, however, that the new secretary will face a funding crisis as the drop in wholesale energy has meant that the Department of Energy and Climate Change’s (DECC) liabilities for previous subsidy schemes has risen and consumed the majority of the budget set aside for renewable support. The feed-in-tariff is also currently under review.
Rudd’s appointment as energy minister during the cabinet reshuffle has been initially welcomed by both the Solar Trade Association (STA) and Renewable Energy Association (REA). Leonie Greene, head of external affairs at the STA, commented: “In the big scheme of things Rudd’s appointment is good news – she isn’t a climate skeptic and is a fan of solar.”
This was backed by comments from chief executive of the REA, Nina Skorupska, who added: “Amber Rudd has been a champion of renewable and the low-carbon economy in the past year, and her appointment will do much to allay the fears some may have after the general election.
“We look forward to continue working with her on some of the pressing challenges ahead, ensuring we meet our targets in the most efficient way, laying the foundations for post 2020 and making sure the UK is leading the way in green jobs and cost effective renewables.”
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