'More balanced' energy policy urged
Business leaders have attacked the Government’s energy policy as “disjointed”, targeted too much at wind power and under-investing in nuclear and clean coal.
The CBI called for a “more balanced” energy mix, which included other renewables to help “bolster” energy security as well as reducing carbon emissions.
Ministers were urged to reduce the percentage of wind power expected by 2020 to encourage investment in other low-carbon energy sources, as well as speed up the planning process.
The call came as it emerged households face rising fuel bills as the Government attempts to shift Britain to a low-carbon strategy.
John Cridland, deputy director-general of the CBI, said: “Large chunks of our energy infrastructure urgently need replacing and we have tough climate change targets to meet.
“However, the Government’s disjointed approach is deterring the private sector investment needed to get our energy system up to scratch, bolster security and cut emissions.
“While we have generous subsidies for wind power, we urgently need the national planning statements needed to build new nuclear plants.
“If we carry on like this, we will end up putting too many of our energy eggs in one basket.
“But by moving Government policy in a different direction, we can achieve a good balance of wind, nuclear, gas and clean coal.
“With firms putting the finishing touches to their future investment plans, we need to act now if we are to achieve an energy system that is low-carbon, secure and sustainable.”
The Press Association
13 July 2009
Tags: Wind power, Wind energy
Some possibly related stories:
The copyright of this article is owned by the author or publisher indicated. Its availability here constitutes a "fair use" as provided for in section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Law as well as in similar "fair dealing" exceptions of the copyright laws of other nations, as part of National Wind Watch's effort to advance understanding of the environmental, social, scientific, and economic issues of large-scale wind power development. For more information, click here.
