We all need to reduce our production of carbon dioxide! It is an undisputed fact.

The UK produces 2% of world CO2 emissions and has a legally binding target under the Kyoto protocol to reduce its carbon emissions to 12.5 per cent below base year levels by 2008-12.

There is a UK domestic goal to move towards a 20 per cent reduction in emissions of carbon dioxide by 2010. The UK has also announced its intention to put itself on a path towards a reduction in CO2 emissions of 60 per cent by about 2050.

Renewable energy is likely to make a considerable contribution to these aims. Energy from renewable sources accounts for less than 3% of energy used at present. The publication of the Energy White Paper in 2003 introduced the government's target to generate 10% of UK electricity from renewable energy sources by 2010, with the target recently being extended to reach 15% by 2015.

The North West region could provide a substantial fraction (8-9%) of the total target in 2010, with around 40% of this coming from wind power.

Merseyside like all regions of the UK also has renewable targets. The regional and national renewables targets that have been set have placed pressure on local authorities and businesses to develop the use of renewables as an energy source. This has led to the set up of the MREI group.

Merseyside Renewable Energy Initiative - MREI is a focus group for renewables in Merseyside, initiated by Energy Projects Plus late in 2004. The group has been founded in order to raise the profile of both the use of and acceptance of renewable energy across Merseyside whilst working towards the goals of the North West as a region.

The MREI group aims to identify and encourage the installation of a wide range of renewable technologies throughout Merseyside. This will develop economic growth opportunities in addition to helping to win the battle against climate change, which is directly affected by the burning of fossil fuels for heating, lighting and transport in our homes and businesses.

Numerous local and regional organisations have become involved with the MREI since its inaugural meeting. The organisations involved perform a variety of roles across Merseyside and include the five Merseyside local authorities, utility companies, manufacturers and suppliers of technologies, Merseyforest, Carbon Trust, Environment Agency, GONW, Renewables Northwest, Housing Trusts and the Merseybasin Partnership. These organisations work in partnership with Energy Projects Plus to deliver and promote the use of renewable technologies across Merseyside.

The MREI vision is to see renewable technologies drive a prosperous and low carbon economy on Merseyside.

This Merseyside initiative will hopefully go some way towards influencing the uptake of renewables in the North West and contribute to the achievement of government targets.

Merseyside Renewable Energy Initiative exhibits links to other organisations on the webpage. MREI cannot accept responsibility for the quality of information or actions of these other bodies. MREI recommends that anyone seeking guidance on renewable technologies obtains information and advice from at least three independent sources.

For further Information MREI initiative - contact Jane O Brien. MREI website additions - contact info@mrei.org.uk