A new report from WWF, Positive Energy, says that renewable sources of energy could meet between 60-90% of the UK’s electricity demand by 2030. It also recommends that the government sets its target at no less than 60% for renewable energy generation to provide certainty for investors.

With a strong focus on renewable energy and energy efficiency, the report found that it is possible to largely decarbonise the UK power sector and maintain system security without resorting to nuclear power.

Good Energy founder and CEO Juliet Davenport welcomes the report: “It makes an important contribution to the energy debate and the role which renewables have to play in the UK’s energy future. In particular, we’d love to see the government set a target for renewable to provide 60% of our energy needs in 2030, as our own research suggests that the UK can become 100% renewable by 2050. Investing now to encourage more renewable generation in the future is the only way to deliver lasting energy security as well as cut our carbon emissions. I hope the government will heed the report’s recommendations – we need to take action now and shift control of our energy from corporations to consumers. When people understand where their energy comes from they will value it more and use it less.”

The report developed six scenarios for the UK’s electricity system in 2030. Each differs according to the level of electricity demand and the methods for providing system security – ensuring there is no risk of a lights out scenario – and all achieve the near decarbonisation of the power sector by 2030.

David Nussbaum, chief executive of WWF-UK commented: “This report is inspiring, but also entirely realistic. It shows that a clean, renewable energy future really is within our grasp. If we seize this opportunity, it will lay the foundations for a clean industrial revolution in the UK, with all the jobs and export opportunities that brings, as well as being a major step forward in tackling climate change.”