FOE U.K. Urges Government to Continue Funding for Solar Energy

Friends of the Earth (FOE) U.K. recently announced that the U.K. government plans to terminate the solar photovoltaic (PV) Major Demonstration Program (MDP) and the Clear Skies Program earlier then originally planned.

According to FOE U.K., Phase 1 of MDP, which was scheduled to proceed between 2002 and 2005, was expected to produce nine megawatts (MW) of electricity by 2005, however only six MW have been installed to date.

FOE U.K. is urging the government to extend its solar energy funding programs for another year in order to help support PV technology and provide ample time to re-examine and develop its new solar energy scheme, due to commence in winter/spring 2005/6.

"Whilst Tony Blair stands on the world stage, championing the fight against climate change, the U.K.'s domestic solar power industry is under threat because of a lack of government funding," said FOE U.K. climate campaigner Catherine Pearce. "The Prime Minister must put his money where his mouth is, and help the U.K. take a lead in developing a range of renewable technologies that will help combat global warming."