Archived press release

South's biggest onshore wind farm opens - but more investment is needed

13 July 2009

Commenting on today's official opening of Little Cheyne Court, the biggest onshore wind farm in the South of England, Friends of the Earth Executive Director Andy Atkins said:

"Exciting developments like Little Cheyne Court are urgently needed to help the UK play its part in tackling climate change.

"This week's Government climate strategies must ensure that the UK reaps the benefits from developing its vast renewable energy potential.

"We have one of the biggest renewable energy potentials in Europe - investing in wind, solar, wave hydro and tidal power could create thousands of jobs and business opportunities and reduce our dependency on fossil fuels.

"The Government must set out plans for maximising this crucial resource when it publishes its climate strategies later this week - and set the wheels in motion towards establishing a clean, secure and home-grown energy supply and a green and prosperous future."

Notes to editors

Friends of the Earth is calling on UK Ministers to urgently tackle the barriers to green energy development. The environmental campaign group is calling for:

• The establishment of a green bank- to provide affordable finance to the renewable energy industry.

• The strategic development of a new offshore super grid - to tap into our vast offshore renewable resources such as wind, waves and tide, and stabilise supply and demand by connecting us into a bigger European low-carbon energy network.

• Investment in a new smart grid - This would use state-of-the-art technology to balance the variable energy generated from renewable sources and intelligently manage our demand for power - as well making it easier for more of the UK's vast renewable energy potential to be plugged in to the system (and encouraging more households to become mini power stations)

• A real industrial strategy - to establish skills and manufacturing capacity for renewables and address shortages in the supply chain for renewables

• The reform of Ofgem - tackling climate change must be the top priority for the UK energy regulator.

• The planning guidance on renewable energy to be amended. UK regions are set to fall short of their extremely modest renewable energy targets - mainly because there are no sticks or carrots to ensure that they are met. Planning rules should be changed to require authorities to meet targets - including a requirement to earmark land for renewable energy development, similar to the requirement on meeting housing allocations.

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