Speaking ahead of a key Commons statement on energy policy tomorrow (27 July 2010), in which Energy Secretary Chris Huhne is expected to announce greater investment in UK wind power, Friends of the Earth's Sustainable Energy Advisor Alan Simpson said:

"This is good news - when it comes to renewable energy the UK has been in the slow lane for far too long and without urgent action we risk missing our targets for tackling climate change.

"Unlike nuclear energy, wind power is a clean and safe way of cutting carbon emissions and helping to secure our energy supplies - it will also boost our economy by creating new jobs.

"The Government should reverse green technology spending cuts and ensure investment is paid for through bonds and loans in a Green Investment Bank.

"The Treasury's blunt cuts agenda is a major risk to a green and prosperous economic recovery for us all."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1.   The announcement comes after news today that former Vestas employees on the
Isle of Wight have started up their own wind turbine manufacturing business.

2.   Friends of the Earth is calling on the Government to ensure incentives
for the production of renewable heat are introduced as planned next year.

3.   Alan Simpson (Labour MP for Nottingham South 1992-2010) is helping Friends of the Earth explain and develop policy on sustainable and decentralised energy and renewable heat. He is available for interview and comment pieces.