A CAMPAIGN group is urging the Government to uphold promises for renewable energy targets.

Members of the Lewisham and Greenwich branch of environmental group Friends of the Earth protested in Lewisham market on October 25.

During the protest campaigner Ted Burke dressed as Gordon Brown and poured water on a sign to represent the watering down of renewable energy targets.

The Government’s current target is to generate 15 per cent of energy from renewable sources by 2020.

But the group claims the Government is breaking this promise by including projects outside Europe.

Mr Burke said: “Rising energy bills means generating green energy from renewable sources such as wind, sun, waves and tides has never made more sense for our wallets.

“Investing in renewable energy will bring enormous benefits to the people of Lewisham and Greenwich.

“It will help us to avoid dangerous climate change and protect our children from the dangers of rising temperatures, provide a clean and secure energy supply and create jobs and billions and business."

A Lewisham and Greenwich Friends of the Earth spokesman says the UK currently generates just two per cent of its energy from renewable sources such as the sun, wind, waves and tides.

He said: “The potential to do more is huge. The Government calculates that offshore wind alone could supply current electricity demand ten times over.”

The group says that Lewisham and Greenwich have several areas liable to flooding due to climate change, and the area’s economy will suffer as climate change worsens.

MP for Erith and Thamesmead John Austin has pledged his support for the campaign.

He said: “If we are serious about tackling climate change, there has to be a revolution in electricity generation in the next few years.

“Wave, wind and solar energy will have a big part to play. I am happy to support Friends of the Earth's campaign to persuade us all to take renewable energy seriously.”

For more information on renewable energy, visit foe.co.uk