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BWEA Press Release

Wednesday 26th November 2003

Wind industry welcomes offshore boost in Energy Bill

New legislation to move beyond 12 nautical miles

The introduction of new legislation to establish a comprehensive legal framework to further support the expansion of offshore wind energy announced by the Queen in her speech to Parliament this afternoon is warmly welcomed by the UK wind industry.

British Wind Energy Association Chief Executive Marcus Rand said:

"We're delighted that the Government will make good on its commitment to enable our industry to expand and develop further. This new legislation will be critical in ensuring that we can make an even greater contribution from offshore wind energy and gives us confidence that the 20% by 2020 renewable aspiration can become a reality."

The Energy White Paper is a milestone in energy policy, setting out as is does a new vision for Britain's future, reinforcing the target that 10% of UK electricity be met by renewable sources by 2010 and putting in place an aspiration that this be doubled by 2020. One of its commitments was for the Government to bring forward legislation that would enable the wind industry to build offshore wind farms beyond 12 nautical miles and to streamline the necessary consents process.

The UK wind industry is widely viewed as a key contributor in meeting both the 2010 target and the 2020 aspiration with this technology alone. The development of the offshore wind sector will be vital in securing this: moving beyond the 12 nautical mile limit allows the industry to access the better wind regimes found further off the coast and apply the economies of scale which will see large scale generation.

The announcement of the necessary legislation comes just four days after Britain's first major offshore wind farm was switched on, showing the way ahead for Britain's new power portfolio.

Notes

The Queen's speech states that "My Government will also introduce legislation on energy matters, establishing a Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and promoting secure, sustainable supplies and a safer environment."

This will be enacted through the 'Energy Bill' which will, amongst other key elements, establish a comprehensive legal framework to support offshore renewable energy developments such as wind farms.

The announcement of this legislation sets the scene for the next stage of offshore wind development, 'Round Two', with sites now expected to be awarded before the end of the year.

Follow this link for details of the inauguration of North Hoyle