UK scientists 'should lead on renewables'

The expertise of UK scientists places the country in a strong position to capitalise on its renewable energy potential - providing funding does not dry up - according to the Committee on Climate Change.

In a new report, the committee notes the specific areas in which UK scientists have expertise that could allow the nation to capitalise on renewable energy opportunities.

They include marine engineering and design capabilities necessary to make the most of the tidal and wave resources that being an island nation presents.

Meanwhile, expertise in electrical engineering can help to put in place smart meters to track energy usage and highlight where savings can be made.

Without funding for these areas, the committee warns that the country could find it difficult to meet its target of cutting carbon emissions by 20 per cent by the end of the decade.

However, ministers from the UK, Germany and France last week proposed to exceed the targets by half, to cut 30 per cent from carbon emissions between the 1990s and 2020.