Let there be light

CHRIS Huhne is clearly confident that his measures to boost energy efficiency, and such like, will keep the lights burning in the years ahead.

It is in the Energy Secretary's interests to be positive – this is one policy area where the Lib Dems secured certain "opt out" rights in their coalition agreement with the Conservatives.

Yet, while it is welcome that Ministers will have to make an annual statement to MPs, and that the launch of a new online calculator will

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raise public awareness about energy efficiency, there was little in Mr Huhne's statement, apart from his encouraging comments on biomass, which has huge potential locally, to suggest that he comprehends the seriousness of the policy void.

Britain simply cannot rely upon even more wind turbines to provide adequate power supplies. The country needs a range of energy sources, including nuclear, and the Government needs to be taking positive action now, despite the parlous state of the public finances, to address the current shortcomings.

More hot air from politicians, however, is not a viable, or

sustainable, solution.