Commenting on today’s opening today (Thursday 9 February 2012) of the world’s biggest offshore wind farm – Walney - off the coast of Cumbria, Paul Steedman, Energy Campaigner at Friends of the Earth said:

“The UK has one of the biggest wind resources in the world – the opening of this massive new wind farm is fantastic news, but in terms of what we could achieve it’s just a drop in the ocean.

“Cash-strapped families are facing rocketing fuel bills because of our reliance on expensive gas and coal – the only long-term solution is to invest in clean British energy and slashing energy waste.

“An urgent investigation into the role of the Big Six energy firms in keeping the nation hooked on fossil fuels must be a top priority for the Prime Minister and his new Energy Secretary, Ed Davey.”

Ends

Notes to editors

1. With its Final Demand campaign, Friends of the Earth is calling for an inquiry into the Big Six energy companies and for clean British energy we can all afford.