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Remove tariffs to encourage energy efficiency, says minster
04/12/09
Edited by Tom Bardsley.Energy efficiency efforts need to be supported by removing the tariffs that are placed on a number of products such as water-saving showers and solar-powered stoves, it has been stated.
Speaking to delegates in Geneva at the World Trade Organisation, Gareth Thomas, minister for trade and development, said current tariffs on these products can be as high as 27 per cent and removing them would encourage widespread use of appliances that promote energy efficiency.
"For too long, the opportunities for green growth in developing countries have been held back by restrictive import taxes," he said.
"Low carbon technology has huge untapped potential in many developing countries and could offer massive environmental and financial benefits."
Both rich and poor countries need to have affordable access to solutions which allow for energy efficiency developments to be made.
It was recently claimed by the European Union's Institute for Energy that the lifetime cost of solar panels is falling as the devices last longer than expected.
