September 17, 2004—New moves to encourage further investment in renewable energy were outlined by the UK’s Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on September 8. The proposals, published in the consultation document Renewables Obligation Order 2005, will strengthen the development of electricity generation capacity using renewable energy sources in the UK, and will help achieve the target of 10% of renewable energy generation by 2010.
The Renewables Obligation, which began in 2002, sets out targets for energy suppliers to source an increasing amount of their energy from renewable resources. Certificates, or ROCs, are awarded to suppliers using renewable sources, allowing them to demonstrate their compliance with the targets. ROCs can be traded between suppliers to make up any shortfall. The new measures will secure the Obligation and further improve its operation.
