Our new conservative/Liberal Democrat coalition government is committed to supporting the low carbon economy. But what does Prime Minister Cameron mean by that phrase?
In 2009 David Cameron set out his plan for the low carbon economy in a webcast and policy document, which you can find here. His key points were:
An electricity internet
A smart grid and smart meters in homes. This will allow demand and supply to be intelligently managed, and pave the way for large-scale use of renewable energy sources.
A system of feed-in tariffs
Decentralised energy production by paying people who produce energy from renewable resources.
A new national recharging network
This will enable Britain to lead the world in replacing traditional cars with electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
New low carbon energy sources
Biogas – methane produced from farm and food wastes – to replace up to 50% of our residential gas heating.
Low carbon buildings, transport and commerce
Including a new entitlement for every home to be fitted with up to £6,500 of energy efficient improvements.
It’s likely that the coalition with the Liberals will strengthen Cameron’s hand in his dealings with the back bench climate sceptics in his party. Time will tell how much support his government is willing to give to the low carbon economy.