With the UK general election around the corner, parties have revealed manifestos relating to renewable energy.

Renewable energy is a hot topic in the UK with thousands of homes and businesses investing in renewable technologies such as Solar PV.

The Conservatives caused controversy this week as they announced plans to halt support for Solar and other renewable technologies in favour of nuclear power and the widely debated practice of fracking. Expressing no firm commitment to wind or solar power, 2 technologies that have shown huge growth and suitability in the UK climate, the conservative party’s proposals have brought damming comments from the Industry and environmental groups.

Labour recently announced plans to review current restrictions to borrowing in relation to Solar PV for Schools which can cause a block to many schools pursuing Solar PV or other forms of renewable technology. In their manifesto the Labour party state that tackling climate change is a “economic necessity” and outlines plans to increase all forms of renewable energy across the UK and to increase the number of “green jobs” in the country.

The Liberal Democrats, part of the current coalition with the conservatives, have departed form their previous partnership and announced plans for a new series of “green laws” to boost the UK’s commitment to renewable energy. Nick Clegg also announced aims for one third of the UK’s power demand to come from renewable energy by 2020 and stimulate in the region £100 billion of private investments into the renewable energy sector.

Its no surprise that The Green Party have set high targets for renewable energy in their 2015 manifesto. Looking to continue the huge growth of Solar PV in 2014, The Greens have set a goal of 25GW of Solar PV to be installed by 2020 and bring in further reductions to planning constraints until 2030. They also have announced plans for a rooftop solar pv installation to be installed on every school, hospital and public building by 2020.

UKIP have announced that they plan to withdraw all support for Solar PV and Wind deeming that the technology is “too expensive”. Nigel Farage’s party also expressed a plan to repeal the UK Climate Change Act and abolish the DECC. UKIP plans for UK power to come from Nuclear, Coal and Gas.

Sustainability and Renewable Energy are sure to be a high priority for the coming election.