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Government announces pylon redesign competition
23 May 2011
Commenting on the launch today [Monday 23 May 2011] of the Government's competition to design the next generation of electricity pylons, Friends of the Earth's Director of Policy and Campaigns Craig Bennett said:
"We need to radically overhaul the way we generate and use electricity over the next twenty years to tackle climate change - so updating the design of the pylons which carry it couldn't be more timely.
"Developing green energy sources like offshore windfarms will generate tens of thousands of new jobs - but we'll also need huge investment in the National Grid to connect remote turbines to the places where energy is used.
"Power cables should be buried underground to mimimise the impact on the most environmentally sensitive areas - but some new overhead pylons will inevitably be needed.
"To keep down the number of new pylons, the Government must also encourage people to generate their own green energy through local projects like solar panels and wind turbines - and safeguard the funds to make this possible."
Notes to editors
1. Friends of the Earth believes the environment is for everyone. We want a healthy planet and a good quality of life for all those who live on it. We inspire people to act together for a thriving environment. More than 90 per cent of our income comes from individuals so we rely on donations to continue our vital work. For further information visit www.foe.co.uk
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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: May 2011
