Peter Mandelson adds weight to business calls on sustainable energy

27 January 2003

The business case for a clear, long term strategy to develop sustainable energy in the UK has been given a political fillip with the announcement of the Rt. Hon Peter Mandelson MP as Patron of the UK Business Council for Sustainable Energy (UKBCSE).

Representing around £3 billion of investment in sustainable energy in the UK, the UKBCSE brings together business leaders from Innogy plc, Powergen UK plc, Scottish Power plc, BP plc, National Grid Transco plc, Shell UK Ltd and United Utilities plc.

According to Peter Mandelson, the UKBCSE will play a central role in the future of sustainable energy in the UK.

Mr Mandelson said:

“Delivering the benefits of sustainable energy to consumers is a key challenge for policy makers in the UK and globally. The UKBCSE is central to informed policy debate and practical delivery and I am delighted to be associated with it.

“We must get on with the task of creating the market conditions in which businesses that respond to the strategic threat of climate change are rewarded. Time is not on our side and effective policy delivery is essential.”

Brian Count, Chairman of the UKBCSE and Chief Executive of Innogy commented:

“Peter’s vision, drive, policy perspective and experience will help the UKBCSE in its task to build the market conditions needed to deliver year on year growth in the development of sustainable energy. We are very pleased to have his support.”

The UKBCSE is marking its first year of operation which has seen sustainable energy take centre stage at key events such as the World Summit on Sustainable Development.

Chief Executive David Green said:

“The UKBCSE has clearly set out its calls for action to translate the vision of world leaders at Johannesburg into practical action on the ground. This means: firm commitments to long-term reductions in greenhouse gas emissions; market and regulatory mechanisms to enable clear and effective targets to be delivered and policy integration across government to achieve this. Against this background the business community stands ready to invest – and the forthcoming Energy White Paper must set the UK on this course.”

Notes for Editors

1. The announcement will be made at the UKBCSE’s New Year reception being held on the 27 January at 18:00 hours at The Atrium, 4 Millbank, London, SW1. Media invitations are available from Emma Penney 020 7976 6655 emma.penney@bcse.org.uk

2. Additional patrons of the UKBCSE will be announced shortly. All patrons are associated with the UKBCSE in an honorary, unpaid, capacity.

3. Copies of the UKBCSE Policy Papers are available from www.bcse.org.uk

For further information contact

David Green, Chief Executive, UKBCSE
Tel: 020 7976 6655

Russell Marsh, Head of Policy, UKBCSE
Tel: 020 7976 6655
Mob: 07941 953634
E-mail: russell.marsh@bcse.org.uk