ELECTRICITY

'Cool Britannia' looks to green energy to slow global warming

A British Government energy review has come to the conclusion that the best way to cut carbon pollution and tackle global warming is to replace oil and gas-fired power with renewable energy sources.

The draft report by the Cabinet's 'performance and innovation unit' had the aim of determining the best energy strategy for the UK over the next 50 years. If the Blair Government accepts the recommendation, Britain would likely become one of the world's most environmentally friendly energy producers.

Given the Blair Government's strong endorsement of the Kyoto Protocol in its attempt to reduce global warming, it will no doubt give new meaning to the slogan 'Cool Britannia'.

The review, which will be published in the 'New Scientist' magazine, pushes for production of at least 20% of electricity from renewable sources such as wave and wind power by 2020, 10 per cent more than the official target for 2010.

Recently the UK energy minister gave the go-ahead for the building of the UK's biggest wind farm in Wales, which will supply more than 40,000 homes.

"This is exciting news and, if this is what the final energy review says, a victory for common sense," said energy campaigner at the 'Friends of the Earth', Mr Bryony Worthington.

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