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Conservative energy proposals 'would cripple wind industry'

Thursday 13 September 2007

The UK's leading renewable energy body BWEA today expressed grave concern and disappointment at the Conservative party's Quality of Life policy review findings on energy.

The Conservative proposals would end all support for onshore wind – and cripple the UK wind industry overnight.

"This proposal would make a mockery of David Cameron's commitment to renewable energy" said BWEA's Director of Programme Strategy Chris Tomlinson.

"Wind energy is the only renewable source capable of meeting the looming energy gap by 2020 – ending support for onshore wind would make schemes uneconomic and effectively choke off investment overnight."

The report claims that the wind industry is market competitive because it is making 25% profits on its schemes, however in reality the level is between 10-15%. This level of profits is dependent on the Renewable Obligation which the report would scrap. Other energy investments make a similar rate of return, however they are lower risk and do not receive support.

Tomlinson added "This document has a number of promising ideas, however the proposals on wind energy would be a devastating blow to meeting Britain's renewable targets - the Conservatives need to reconsider this proposal"

For more information please contact: Charles Anglin, Director of Communications BWEA, on 020 7689 1966 or charles@bwea.com

Notes to Editors:

  • BWEA is the trade and professional body for the UK wind, wave and tidal energy industries. Formed in 1978, and with over 340 corporate members, BWEA is the leading renewable energy trade association in the UK.
  • The Policy review recommends a system of 'competitive feed-in tariffs', which is similar to the old UK scheme of Non Fossil Fuel Obligation which was scrapped in the late 1990's because bids by generation companies were pushed so low that successful schemes were not economic to build.