'Disappointments' in U.K. energy policy

LONDON, July 26 (UPI) -- There are "disappointments" in a British policy to cut subsidies for renewable energy programs like wind energy, an executive said.

Opponents of British Prime Minister David Cameron called for a 25 percent decrease in wind energy subsidies. The country's Department of Energy and Climate Change, however, cut onshore wind subsidies 10 percent and backed off of its support for programs for biomass.

Gaynor Hartnell, chief executive officer at the Renewable Energy Association, told Bloomberg News the decision by Cameron's administration came with mixed results.

"There are some disappointments," he said. "Wind developers have been prepared for this modest reduction. There is good news for hydro and gasification. However, we are effectively left with no deep geothermal industry."

During the debate over the measure, Hartnell said the renewable energy industry might not be able to invest with confidence without key support from London.

The United Kingdom is the world leader in offshore wind capacity. The country aims to generate 15 percent of its overall energy from renewable resources by 2020.