CO2 rise forces energy rethink

Let's hope that the actual rise in the UK's CO2 emissions really does get the skates on under the government who have been more than a little complcent in my mind Apparently it is prompting reconsideration of the options.Among the actions being considered are:

· A review of wind power and other renewables to see if they can deliver more carbon dioxide savings;

· Large scale investment in the next generation of tidal, wave and solar systems;

· Consideration of whether a new generation of nuclear power stations is needed;

· Tax breaks and subsidies for energy efficient household appliances;

· New building regulations to make houses and businesses more energy efficient;

· Carbon taxes,<-> including rises in fuel duties;

· A reduction in prices of alternative fuels and subsidies for bio-diesel made from oil seed rape.

Personally I think that wind tide and hydro should be major players and anything to encourage energy efficientcy with regard to homes is going to be a good thing; so tax breaks would be good and new build regs really do need to be looked at. there is no reason on earth why we shouldn't be building extrememly low-energy houses.

Guardian Unlimited | Special reports | CO2 rise forces energy rethink