DRIVE FOR WINDFARMS CONTINUES - MINISTER

Article in the Western Morning News

Date : 30.09.05

 

The Government drive to erect thousands of wind turbines across the countryside will continue unabated, despite Tony Blair's decision to consider a new generation of nuclear power stations, Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks said yesterday.

Mr Blair, in his keynote speech at the Party conference this week, confirmed that the Government will look again at the nuclear option in an attempt to meet the UK's climate change obligations and reduce the country's dependence on imported oil and gas.

Speaking at a fringe meeting in Brighton, Mr Wicks said this would not affect the Government's drive to produce 10 per cent of the UK's energy from renewable sources by 2010, or the emphasis on wind power. He added: "Notwithstanding anything said by the Prime Minister, this Government remains absolutely committed to a green agenda and to renewable energy. We have stick to the ten per cent target and that is not an easy target to hit. But every month that passes we are seeing an increase in the number of wind turbines, in particular."

Environmental writer Paul Brown urged Mr Wicks to give more support to so-called micro-generation, in which domestic solar panels and mini-wind turbines can be used to generate household electricity. "In a straight competition with nuclear power, micro-generation wins every time," he said.

Many believe that micro-generation could also help the Government to meet its renewable targets without the need for thousands of new wind turbines, which are proving increasingly controversial with rural communities. Mr Wicks said the Government had launched a consultation on the potential for micro-generation and was enthusiastic about the possibilities. "Micro-generation can also make a significant contribution to energy supply."

Labour MP Mark Lazarowicz is bringing forward a Private Members Bill to promote the use of micro-generation - including the establishment of Government targets. But Mr Wicks said he was not convinced that either Government targets or subsidies to encourage people to install the technology in their homes were necessary.