The European Commission recently confirmed that the UK could face legal action with regards to the recent tariff cuts. If it is found that the substantial feed-in tariff cuts hinder the UK’s legally binding commitment with the EU to meet given targets on renewable energy, action could be taken.

The Renewable Energy Directive of 2009 states that the UK must source at least 15% of its energy from renewable resources; be it solar, hydro, wind or biomass. Green MEP, Jean Lambert, submitted a Priority Question and the Commission’s response was much welcomed by much of the solar power industry.

Further to their response, it was also commented that any changes in the feed-in tariff should be carried out in such a manner as to not destabilise the renewable energy industry. Such drastic cuts and in such a short space of time will undoubtedly result in ‘destabilising’ the industry, and it seems right that the heavy-handed decision should be reviewed by the European Commission.

Lambert commented on the Commission’s response: “It is the responsibility of the Government to take every possible step to boost, encourage and support green technologies as we look to move towards a more sustainable society, rather than penalise those that have thrived. The Government must now demonstrate that plans to slash the subsidy will not derail the UK from delivering 15 per cent of energy from renewable sources by 2020, or the Commission will have no choice but to initiate infringement proceedings.”

We shall now have to wait and see if the UK can keep to the 15% renewable energy target in the forthcoming months.