2009 has been heralded as a crucial year in tackling climate change and helping the UK meet its green objectives. In a statement released in a New Year message celebrating the creation of the new Department of Energy and Climate Change, Mr Milliband said that 2008 had been ‘historic’, referring to legislation passed in late November.

The secretary of state of Energy and Climate change also paid particular attention to the upcoming Copenhagen International Summit which will seek to look beyond the goals set out in the Kyoto Agreement whose objectives only go onto 2012.

Milliband said, “We have seen significant progress during 2008 in our goals of developing secure, affordable and clean energy, and tackling the threat of global warming. In 2009, the world will meet again to agree a new international deal on climate change, while in the UK we will be laying out the groundwork for long-term energy efficiency improvements and carbon reduction measures.

“However 2009 will be a crucial year when it comes to negotiating a meaningful, binding climate change deal in Copenhagen. There is still much to be done, but I’m confident we can achieve a global deal” added the Minister.

The decision to introduce feed-in tariffs and mandatory smart meters have been the most important innovations of the newly established department. Feed-in tariffs are seen as essential to the implementation of a cost effective renewable energy industry in the UK and will indeed play a fundamental role in the adherence to both the Kyoto standards and any targets set out in Copenhagen’s climate summit.

In the Department’s New Year message, it also highlighted achievements made in the field of carbon emissions trading, where the UK saw the world’s first auction of carbon emissions allowances in November under Phase II of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. This year should see preparations for more organisations to join emissions trading activities.

The UK Energy Bill, which outlines the introduction of a feed-in tariff system has been given further support, this time by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH).

The government will be required to introduce a feed-in tariff scheme whereby small, renewable electricity, heat and gas generators, such as communities, schools and businesses would be guaranteed a premium rate for any energy fed back into grid. The CIH have commended the new clause in the Energy Bill, stating that it will help businesses and communities generate clean, renewable energy.

Sarah Webb, CIH Chief Executive, said:  “A feed-in tariff for renewable energy would give the much needed financial support to communities to take control of their own energy generation.  The opportunities to reduce carbon emissions, reduce fuel poverty and bring communities together to benefit all their residents are enormous.”

It is widely believed that, at a time when people are becoming more aware of the necessity for renewable alternatives, the generation of power in public spaces such as schools and petrol stations will represent a positive social project.

Britain‘s controversial Energy Bill was passed yesterday, signalling a significant move towards the use grid connected, renewable energy sources across the UK.

The new laws will see the UK cut gas emissions by 80 per cent by 2050 and open the door for feed in tariffs, with the Government paying owners of grid connected solar and wind systems a premium rate for the energy they produce.

Environmental groups and members of the renewable energy industry have warmly welcomed this new legislation. The Renewable Energy Association released the statement,

“The Renewable Energy Association is delighted that that government has recognised the advantages of a tariff-style incentive scheme which will open doors for small-scale producers of renewable heat, electricity and bio-methane,” Philip Wolfe, Director

It is generally accepted that the progressive feed-in tariff policies of European countries such as Germany, France and Spain have stimulated and accelerated the growth of renewable energies there.