Major setback for UK wind power
06 March 2006
The Whinash wind farm had the potential to provide clean, green electricityfor over 45,000 homes and displace the emission of up to 180,000 tonnes ofcarbon dioxide each year (1). Yet, in a landmark act of hypocrisy, LabourMinisters have rejected the opportunity to support renewable energy.
Tom Tibbits, Green Party Energy Spokesperson, comments: "This is a majorstep back in the UK's target to reduce carbon emissions. It seems remarkablethat the government can continue to wax lyrical about tackling climatechange and then crush projects to produce clean, green energy for the NorthWest. The Government's target for cutting UK carbon dioxide emissions by 20per cent by 2010 is currently off-track and we need effective, determinedmeasures to make serious improvements.
"Despite having the largest sources of wind, wave and tidal energy inEurope, the UK are already falling far behind in the renewable energysector. Sweden generates 47% of its electricity from renewable energysources and Finland 26%. Developing renewables can help foster employmentand regeneration opportunities across the country. Germany has shown newindustries can be built rapidly by overtaking Denmark on wind power and nowbecoming a leader in photovoltaics. Now 120,000 people work in the renewableenergy sector, with 400,000 jobs planned by 2020 (2).
"Blair's government are failing us on the energy issue. In January's MORIpoll conducted in conjunction with the Tyndall Centre at UEA, 78% ofparticipants stated that they would prefer renewable energy to nuclearpower, which is costly, dangerous, emits carbon and has massive wasteimplications. The North-West has already suffered the terrible costs ofSellafield, including radiation leaks and increased childhood leukaemiarates and now, they are being denied clean, renewable energy provided bywind farms. One starts to wonder what the government's priorities are onthis issue: the health and security of UK citizens or satisfying the nuclearlobby?"
(1) British Wind Energy Association
(2) The Environment Agency
