Archived press release

Government announces massive boost for offshore wind

10 December 2007

Friends of the Earth's renewable energy campaigner, Nick Rau, said:

"We are delighted the Government is getting serious about the potential for offshore wind, which could generate 25 percent of the UK's electricity by 2020. There is a lot more renewable energy out there - from big wave and tidal power projects to roof mounted solar PV panels. If we make the most of these abundant resources we could generate almost half of our electricity from renewable sources by 2020.

"The Government must now set out what support mechanisms it will put in place to deliver on its proposals and make the most of other renewables. It must also increase investment in the development new renewable technology, including bigger and more efficient wind turbines. And we should be cooperating with our European neighbours to make the most of our shared resources. For example, by developing a European super-grid or large scale wind farms in the North Sea. "

Friends of the Earth has been campaigning for a major increase in UK renewable energy, including offshore wind. The environmental campaign group is urging the Government to:

• Invest in a green energy revolution, including renewable energy (wind, wave, solar, tide), energy efficiency and the development of low-carbon technologies.

• Encourage householders and businesses to install small-scale renewable energy generators (wind, solar) in their properties, by placing a duty on electricity companies to pay a guaranteed, long-term, premium price for any excess electricity generated by renewable sources and exported to the National Grid [1].

• Abandon plans for a new generation of nuclear reactors. We can meet our energy needs, maintain fuel security and tackle climate change without nuclear power. Nuclear power is also likely to take money away from investment in renewables.

Friends of the Earth is calling for the Government's climate change bill to be strengthened to ensure annual emissions cuts of at least 3 per cent, include pollution from Britain's share of international aviation and shipping, and set annual milestones to ensure that we stay on track. The draft climate change bill is currently being debated in Parliament and could be law within six months [2].

Notes

1. In its recent Home Truths report Friends of the Earth demonstrated how the UK could cut carbon emissions from households by 80% by 2050. One of its key recommendations is for every home to have some form of small scale renewable heat or electricity generation installed. It called for the UK Government to provide grants for householders to install renewable technologies, and the introduction of a feed-in tariff to support this.

2. Through The Big Ask, Friends of the Earth has successfully led the campaign for a UK climate change bill, which will be the first national legislation anywhere in the world to set legally-binding targets for cutting carbon dioxide emissions. But the environmental charity is urging the Government to make it even stronger, to ensure that Britain plays a leading role in developing a low-carbon future. www.thebigask.com

If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust