MOD Strives for 10% Renewable Energy

In 2002/03, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) along with the whole Public Sector was given the Sustainable Development in Government (SDiG) Energy target E3 of procuring or generating 10% ‘green’ electricity by 2010.

The Defence Utilities Policy and Review Group (DUPARG) decided to do this on a sliding scale and started by procuring 5% 'green’ from electricity suppliers in Oct 02 for the 2002/03 year. This figure has been increased by 1% per year as follows:

The MOD's plan is to comply with the SDiG target albeit ahead of the target date of 2010. Keep in mind that the MOD Contracts Branch (Energy Procurement Division) organises contracts for energy supply for the whole MOD in this way. The MOD has a huge influence in managing its supply chain and because of this strongly pushes this agenda forwards.

In addition the Royal Navy have a number of sites with solar water heating, endothermic energy, Sunpipes, etc. which add towards achieving the target.

Phil Wheaton, Royal Navy said “In reality, all Public Sector departments should be doing it this way or else in 2010, start procuring 10% 'green' (energy) to comply with the target.”

This is a huge step forwards for sustainable energy consumption.