September 18, 2007
U.K.

BWEA says Conservative energy proposals 'would cripple wind industry'

The UK’s leading renewable energy body BWEA has expressed grave concern and disappointment at the Conservative party’s Quality of Life policy review findings on energy.

The Conservative proposals would end all support for onshore wind – and cripple the UK wind industry overnight.

“This proposal would make a mockery of David Cameron’s commitment to renewable energy” said BWEA’s Director of Programme Strategy Chris Tomlinson.

“Wind energy is the only renewable source capable of meeting the looming energy gap by 2020 – ending support for onshore wind would make schemes uneconomic and effectively choke off investment overnight.”

The report claims that the wind industry is market competitive because it is making 25% profits on its schemes, however in reality the level is between 10-15%. This level of profits is dependent on the Renewable Obligation which the report would scrap. Other energy investments make a similar rate of return, however they are lower risk and do not receive support.

Tomlinson added “This document has a number of promising ideas, however the proposals on wind energy would be a devastating blow to meeting Britain’s renewable targets – the Conservatives need to reconsider this proposal”

oilvoice.com

17 September 2007


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/09/18/bwea-says-conservative-energy-proposals-would-cripple-wind-industry/