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The UK government has launched a £200,000 campaign to inform decision makers of the potential and the benefits of renewable energy. "Our campaign will leave nobody in any doubt that renewables are at the heart of the government's energy policy," says minister in charge of energy Stephen Timms. The campaign, It's Only Natural, is targeted at local authority physical planning departments, investors and the wider community. The first stage will centre on the Southwest, where it will provide support and information on renewable energy to planners and highlight to the financial community the investment potential. It will aim to get its message across through workshops, a conference, media initiatives and a web site. Later the work will widen to reach consumers. "The extension of the Renewables Obligation to 2015 has given the industry the confidence it needs to secure investment in new projects," says Timms. "Now this campaign will reinforce that message to investors and also equip planners with the tools they need to determine planning applications." From the British Wind Energy Association (BWEA), Marcus Rand says the "Hearts and Minds" campaign is welcome news and further proof that the government means business on renewables.