Archived press release

Green light for major offshore wind expansion in UK

8 January 2010

Today's green light for a major expansion in UK offshore wind development has been welcomed by Friends of the Earth, but the environmental campaign group says that the Government must do more to ensure that the UK maximises the benefits from its huge green energy potential.

The Crown Estate today announced which firms had been given licences to develop thousands of offshore turbines which could generate an extra 32GW of electricity and power around 24 million homes.

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

"Plans to build thousands of offshore turbines are fantastic news - but the Government must do more to develop the UK's vast wind energy potential and ensure that Britain reaps the benefits of creating thousands of new green jobs.

"This country could be at the forefront of the green energy revolution, which will also slash emissions and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, but Ministers must develop a detailed and comprehensive strategy to make this safe, clean and prosperous future a reality."

Notes to Editors:

1. Friends of the Earth is calling on the Government to:

• Set more ambitious targets for developing the UK's green energy potential:
Successful bids to Round 3 have suggested that 32GW could be delivered - more than the 25GW previously planned. But Friends of the Earth says that Government could still be even more ambitious, and ensure this potential is fully exploited as soon as possible to meet our 2020 renewable energy targets and move to a low- carbon energy future.

• Ensure the development of a UK supply chain so that British firms and
workers reap the benefits:
Government intervention is needed to ensure the development of a UK supply chain. An industrial strategy is needed to dramatically increase support for UK businesses to encourage them to make the most of this huge opportunity. There is huge employment potential, yet jobs are going abroad because UK firms can't supply.

For example there are no UK suppliers of steel monopiles (foundations for wind turbines), so wind developers such as Npower are currently having to source them from China for their Greater Gabbard windfarm. At the same time UK steel manufacturer Corus is closing down plant, which is perfectly located to supply the North Sea. Friends of the Earth also called for the potential skills gap to be tackled.

• Ensure adequate funding through the introduction of a green investment bank
Delivering the intended 32GW of off-shore wind power is likely to require an investment of £100 billion. A Government-backed financial institution could provide direct investment, loans and guarantees to drive forward renewable energy and energy saving schemes and ensure the UK is at the forefront of international efforts to tackle climate change.

• Fast track plans for a North Sea electricity Supergrid
North Sea nations have acknowledged the need for cooperation in constructing a North Sea electricity grid. This would enable countries to share green energy from a variety of renewable sources such as wave and wind power. This could also form part of a larger European Supergrid, which would allow access to huge solar power resources from the Mediterranean.

2. Friends of the Earth is part of Stop Climate Chaos Coalition, the UK's largest group of people dedicated to action on climate change and limiting its impact on the world's poorest communities. The coalition's supporter base of more than 11 million people spans over 100 organisations, from environment and development charities to unions, faith, community and women's groups. Together we demand practical action by the UK to keep temperatures well below an average 2 degree rise. For further information visit www.stopclimatechaos.org.

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