“Learning from those who are leading” key to clean energy development, says DECC chief

During his opening remarks to the Clean Energy Ministerial in London (UK) yesterday, the UK’s Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Edward Davey, said the region’s energy history “is a story of great heights – and gloomy depths” but  that “sixty years later, we are proud to be at the leading edge of the clean energy revolution”.

During his intervention, Davey highlighted how the UK had led the way passing the Clean Air Act – one of the world’s first pieces of environmental legislation – after air pollution became so bad in London intnhe 1950’s that its infamous smog reduced daytime visibility to less than a metre.

He also told fellow energy ministers that the UK had carbon budgets in place all the way out to 2027 and that it was creating a new nationwide market in energy efficiency through the Green Deal. “ We’re putting clean energy at the heart of our electricity system, reforming our market to let low-carbon sources compete on cost,” he said.

Davey had a simple message: “the UK stands for ambitious action on climate change. We will work with our partners to deliver a cleaner, safer energy future for our citizens – and a vibrant green economy for our businesses”.

He highlighted that two issues sit at the heart of the clean energy agenda: investment, and ambition.

“Over the past few years, the global low-carbon sector has outshone the rest of the economy. In 2011, the trillionth dollar was invested in clean energy; investment in renewables now outstrips investment in fossil fuels,” he said. “But as major economies face tougher fiscal conditions, indications suggest growth has slowed. The risk is that recession delays low-carbon investment, leaving us a high-carbon legacy even when the global economy recovers – and making meaningful action on climate change more expensive.”

Consequently, Davey called on governments to establish the right frameworks for investment, sending clear signals to the businesses who will lead the low-carbon transition. “We must encourage innovation, and do what we can to bring clean technologies to market. That, of course, is what the Clean Energy Ministerial is all about. And the threat of an investment squeeze makes our task more urgent, not less.”

Ambition at the heart of the matter

Davey then went on to say how the world needs to be more ambitious in the way we communicate. “We need to make the medium and long-term case, even when people are preoccupied by short-term impacts. We need to commit to our vision of a cleaner future – and show people what that future will hold. The benefits that clean energy will bring, for those who need it – and those who develop it.”

“We should state more strongly the business case for going green. Efficiency policies are unashamedly good for growth: using less [sic] resources lowers operating costs and frees up capital,” he added

Green agenda an unbearable burden

Davey warned participants that in some quarters, the green agenda is painted as an unbearable burden, but that thankfully global growth leaders are supporting clean technologies and ambitious climate policies: “Each of the nations represented here today – and many more – are finding their own path to a cleaner future. Emerging economies and energy-rich nations alike are embracing the low-carbon shift”.

The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change drew to a close pointing out that the Clean Energy Ministerial “is about learning from those who are leading”.

“By collaborating on clean energy projects, and sharing our knowledge, we can bring sustainable light to people in developing countries. We can make our cities less wasteful, and our appliances more efficient,” he said.

Cameron to praise Britain's leadership over renewable energy

Today, the UK Prime Minister, David Cameron, will speak at the event, and is expected to tell representatives of the 23 countries present that UK is spearheading green revolution. He will champion Britain's position at the forefront of the growth in renewable energy saying: "Renewables are now the fastest growing energy source on the planet, and I am proud that Britain has played a leading role at the forefront of this green energy revolution," the prime minister is due to say. Our commitment and investment in renewable energy has helped to make renewable energy possible. Now we have a different challenge. We need to make it financially sustainable".

[Inset: Steve Chu, the US Secretary of Energy, alongside Edward Davey and other speakers at the Clean Energy Ministerial yesterday.]

For additional information: