Renewable Energy in the UK: A Slow Transition

Abstract

As a case study in the global technological, political and economic transition to the use of sustainable energy sources, this chapter looks at the way renewable energy technology has been developed in the United Kingdom (UK) in the context of its overall response to climate change. In particular it highlights the impacts that differing views on the role of market competition have played. It argues that the market-oriented approach to the support of renewable energy adopted by the UK has been a key reason why it has, with some exceptions, been relatively slow to develop its very large renewable energy resource compared to most other EU countries. It suggests that, under present policies, this relatively poor showing may not improve, especially given the UK's strong commitment to expanding nuclear power.