Regions to take on major role in renewable energy strategy Regions will now find it easier to assess their renewable energy resources, under new government guidelines published today (March 5th).

The Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has set out information that will allow regions to determine their potential for onshore wind projects, biomass, hydro power and solar energy.

Lord Hunt, the energy minister, said: "Our target for renewables is ambitious and we want to see that ambition reflected at regional and local levels.

"We must make the move to low carbon energy supplies and everyone needs to be involved in that. Nationally we've nearly tripled renewable electricity since 2002 but more needs to be done."

The government has an overall target for 15 percent of energy to come from renewable sources by 2020.

Regions in the UK already have individual targets, but the newly published guidelines are intended to standardise how these are reviewed and reset, if necessary, according to Lord Hunt.

Developers will also be able to access more accurate information to see which areas have the most potential for renewable energy projects.

The publication follows an announcement on Wednesday (March 3rd) that generators will now be able to hook up to the electricity transmission system much faster - signalling the government's renewed determination to meet the 2020 goal.

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