Wind energy expansion unveiled
Up to 7,000 wind turbines could be installed around the UK coastline.
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Monday, 10, Dec 2007 03:50
The government has announced plans for a major expansion in the number of offshore wind farms which generate energy for UK households.
Up to 7,000 wind turbines would need to be installed to enable the government to meet a European target which says 20 per cent of the country's energy needs should be met using renewable sources from 2020, business secretary John Hutton explained in an interview yesterday.
In a key speech today the minister launched an environmental assessment of the seas surrounding the UK, in order to pave the way for a possible new wave of wind energy developments.
Plans being considered by the government would allow wind turbine companies to develop up to 25 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2020, in addition to the eight gigawatts already planned.
Such an increase would result in enough electricity being generated by offshore wind farms to power the equivalent of all the UK's households by that date, Mr Hutton will tell representatives of the European energy industry in Berlin.
"The challenge for government and for industry is to turn this potential - for our energy and economy - into a cost-effective reality. This will be a major challenge," the business secretary stressed.
Government plans to boost offshore wind power have been welcomed by environmental groups.
"The potential power that could be generated by this industry is enormous," said Friends of the Earth's renewable energy campaigner, Nick Rau.
"Making Britain a world leader in this form of energy will create jobs, boost the economy and help put Britain at the forefront in the battle to combat climate change," he added ahead of today's announcement.