Time to stop power politics

Under its current Renewables Obligations, the UK is committed to producing 10 per cent of its power from clean energy sources by 2010. This currently stands at less than three per cent, and many wonder how the gap can be bridged in such a short time without a fundamental change of emphasis.

The Royal Family is an unlikely source of inspiration for the nation’s energy policy, but may offer a glimpse of a possible way forward.

Last week it was announced that Windsor Castle has been granted permission to build a £1m, four-turbine hydro-electric plant at Romney Weir on the Thames, able to supply one third of the castle’s power needs.

In theory, this high-profile example of small-scale renewable energy generation could be copied across the country, eventually complementing the National Grid with a clean, efficient electricity network. Placing generation in close proximity to end-users means less power is lost during transmission from generator to consumers. So far the UK has been reluctant to commit itself to such schemes (royalty excepted). However, pressure from Europe is growing.