UK 'behind other countries in renewable energy race'

The UK is behind other European countries when it comes to sourcing renewable energy, it has been suggested.

Matthew Scully, a spokesman for the British Wind Energy Association, said that although the UK is well-placed to invest in green resources, it is currently trailing behind many other European countries.

"In places like Portugal they are using wind and tidal hubs which we have in abundance here. They are already generating 70 per cent of their national electricity through renewable means," he added.

Mr Scully also asserted that universities should have a bigger role to play in the renewable sector and act as research hubs for industry work.

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and energy giant E.on recently gave £6.9 million in funding to four universities to investigate energy storage technologies.

Beneficiaries of the funding include the universities of Nottingham and Newcastle.