Recently, numerous leaders from various nations had gathered in Paris climate summit to discuss the plans for climate change. The need to discuss an effective resolve to climate change becomes an important agenda to many world leaders as this has resulted to many devastating catastrophes and casualties around the globe. However, what have become truly intriguing in this most anticipated event of the year are the seemingly contrasting ideas of the UK government towards green energy and climate change.
According to Caroline Lucas, a member of the Green Party of England and Wales, the only way for the people to be able to beat blackouts is to utilize a smart, clean and affordable energy. And if there’s a good energy that people can use as an alternative to fossil fuels and natural gas, that is the solar and wind energy. Yet, the use of the renewable energy might come to a sudden end for the reason that the UK government had implemented a new ruling that left the UK citizens in total shock.
A new proposal drafted by the UK tax regulator HMRC was challenged by the Solar Trade Association and other campaigners to halt the rise because the proposal sought to increase the value-added tax on solar panels from 5% to 20%. In addition to this, the British solar industry is expected to receive fatal blows after the UK’s tax regulator; Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC) had opened a consultation with regards to the removal of the tax relief for solar panels from August 1 next year – which will surely result to solar panel cost hike.
Based on the calculations of the Solar Trade Association, if the new green energy policy will be effectively implemented, the 15% increase in VAT will escalate the cost of a typical 4kW solar array by more than $1,300, which will harm the investors’ confidence because of the instability in the PV policy.
Another issue that had stirred confusion on what the UK government really aims is when Energy Secretary Amber Rudd expresses its intention to backup nuclear power and gas while phasing out coal plants within 15 years. Even though Rudd wants the UK people to experience cheapest clean energy options, the plans to utilize nuclear and gas instead will only be done if there will be confidence in the shift to a new gas. Although coal provides 25% of the energy in the UK, the plans for it is to close all coal power stations by 2025.
With the UK government turning its back from solar panels and other alternative clean energy and the Energy Secretary wants to back up nuclear and gas as an alternative which is half as polluting as coal – many started to wonder if building a progressive low-carbon economy in Britain is still possible amidst the climate change.
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