New renewables targets may affect self build

Those planning to engage in the self build of their own homes may need to add microrenewables to generate green energy as a result of new targets Britain is expected to be required to meet.

European Union officials are expected to set Britain a target of raising the renewable share of the country's energy generation substantially from the present two per cent by 2020.

The figure quoted by the BBC is for a target of 15 per cent, while the Financial Times quotes a figure of 13 or 14 per cent.

Such an increase could mean new regulations to ensure homes, including those self built, will contribute to the total by generating some of their own power by means such as wind turbines and solar panels.

Earlier this month energy minister Malcolm Wicks urged the public to play their part by voluntarily installing such devices at home, saying: "Deciding to go green and generate your own clean energy is one of the most valuable New Year's resolutions you can make."


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