Energy
Energy is an important part of everyones' lives and the global economy, fuelling our homes, transport and workplaces. But the earth has a limited supply of fossil fuels, such as oil and gas. Their use is now producing harmful pollutants faster than our planet can cope. Carbon dioxide emissions are causing climate change- the greatest challenge that our planet faces.
In the UK, we must completely renew our energy infrastructure. We get less energy from clean, renewable sources than nearly every other country in Europe- just 2% of our total energy. We are still Europe's second largest emitter of greenhouse gases. Power stations are the biggest single source of carbon dioxide emissions in the UK, followed by transport. 34% of our electricity is still produced by coal-fired power stations. 15.9% of our electricity comes from hazardous nuclear power.
There is a better way - a way that meets our energy needs sustainably and creates jobs.
Through the Green New Deal, we are calling for:
• A massive investment in renewable sources to support development of both large-scale wind and tidal generation and domestic micro-generation - together these measures would create 80,000 jobs in the first year.
• Retrofitting energy efficiency measures to homes, schools and hospitals to reduce total energy consumption and create a further 80,000 jobs.
In the EU, we will advocate for:
• Europe-wide renewable energy initiatives such as an under-sea grid for off-shore wind and marine power, concentrated solar power plants in Southern Europe and the North African deserts and the building of highly efficient long-distance High Voltage DC power lines.
• The phasing out of dangerous nuclear power.
• The removal of incentives for damaging large scale bio-fuels.
• Removal of any EU rules that prevent direct government help to renewables.
• Abolishing VAT on energy-efficient improvements to properties.
• Higher energy-efficiency standards for appliances sold in the EU with better energy labeling.
• Shifting EU subsidies and support for research and development from nuclear and fossil fuels to the renewable energy sector.
For more details on our investment in renewable energy, see the EU Manifesto.
Related stories
- Business Leaders Warn Of Impending Oil Crunch
- Green Party leader welcomes wind farm decision
- Darren Johnson launches MP campaign with Green Party leader
Related reports:
- Nuclear Power? No Point! Darren Johnson AM reviews recent developments.
- Green Work: Employment and skills - the climate change challenge. Jean Lambert MEP shows how to ensure the workforce is equipped for expanding the renewable energy industries.
- Green Print for a renewable energy policy that works
How the government needs to change to get clean green energy - The Alternative Energy Report
A report which compares nuclear power with a range of electricity-saving measures - Keeping the Lights on: Nuclear, Renewables, and Climate Change
The Green Party case against nuclear power
Campaigns
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