No backing down on wind power

Wednesday, 25 May 2005 12:00 AM

In his first speech as Energy Minister, Malcolm Wicks indicated that the Government would not be backing away from investing in wind power.

The Government sees wind power as one of the best ways to meet its target of generating 10 per cent of the UK's electricity from renewable energy source by 2010.

However, in recent years the locating of wind farms has become increasingly controversial with protests from local people, concerns about their effects on wildlife and with sea-based programmes upon shipping.

Speaking today at the All-Energy conference in Aberdeen, Mr Wicks said: "I want there to be no doubt of our determination to push ahead on renewables. Energy policy was set in the White Paper for the long term and our target of generating 10 per cent of electricity from renewables by 2010 is central to it. This will help us to meet our climate change commitments and build reliable energy supplies."

He highlighted in particular the decision to give the go-ahead for the Scout Moor 26 turbine wind farm in Greater Manchester and recent multi-million funding grants for solar and tidal power.

Mr Wicks added: "The Sustainable Development Commission last week reiterated the terrific potential of wind power. Our decision to give the go-ahead for Scout Moor was taken after extensive and thorough consideration of the representations I received, both for and against consent being granted.

"The independent public inquiry ensured that community and environmental concerns were heard. Approval takes into account the concerns raised, and includes a number of conditions recommended by the inquiry Inspector to mitigate any impacts."

Liberal Democrat environment spokesman Norman Baker said that Britain should set a far more ambitious target for renewables.

Mr Baker said: "The Government should set a target for 2020 of 20 per cent of our electricity to be generated by renewables. Wind power can play a part, but shouldn't be relied upon alone."

He also reiterated his party's opposition to nuclear power, saying: "Resorting to nuclear power would be a generational misjudgement of seismic proportions. It is superficially attractive but fatally flawed."

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