UK renewables association calls for delay to Energy White Paper

London (Platts)--3May2007

The UK's Renewable Energy Association has asked the government to delay
publication of an Energy White Paper, expected as soon as this month, that
would set the framework for the country's energy policy goals, the REA said in
a statement embargoed till late Wednesday.

The white paper already has been delayed, most recently by a Greenpeace
lawsuit that faulted the government for failing to consult with the public on
new nuclear build.

The REA, which represents companies ranging from major utilities to small
developers, said it told Department of Trade and Industry Secretary of State
Alistair Darling that paper should be delayed again so that new commitments
outlined by the European Union could be better incorporated into a national
strategy.

"Our government had the vision to push these ambitious energy targets
through the European Union," said REA Chief Executive Philip Wolfe. "But they
just haven't had time since then to credibly define the measures needed to
meet them."

The new European targets include commitments for a 20% reduction in
energy consumption and increased contributions from renewables to 20% of total
energy and 10% of transport fuels by 2020.

"These are very welcome targets but a million miles from where the UK is
today," Wolfe said.

The REA said renewables account for about 2% of UK energy, and biofuels
are less than 1% of the transport market. The new European commitments
invalidated many of the assumptions used in last year's Energy Review--the
basis for the White Paper, it added.

"Calling for delay is an unusual move for an association that is more
frequently pressing for faster action", Wolfe said. "But we can't keep
tinkering with our energy policy -- this is the last chance to get on the
right path and stay there."