The UK government has launched what it describes as a major consultation on energy policy, following publication earlier this year of an Energy Review. Responses to the consultation, with a deadline of end-summer, are expected to help shape an Energy White Paper which is due to be released by the beginning of 2003.
The consultation appears to be aimed at everyone in the UK. The document is being distributed by email and internet. Areas of debate and discussion are expected to include the Energy Review’s emphasis on the need to move towards a low carbon energy economy with greater energy efficiency.
Meanwhile the Energy Minister, Brian Wilson, has launched a £66 m support scheme for bio-energy projects. The money is to be used to support the establishment of up to six power stations producing energy by burning crops and waste such as straw and elephant grass. Up to one hundred smaller chp plants are also envisaged.
