23 June 2008
We received a petition asking:
“We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Stop pushing for wind turbines against the wishes of the public.”
Details of Petition:
“If you object to the government pushing wind turbines for power, please sign this petition.”
Read the Government’s response
The UK has one of the best wind profiles in Europe, it is inconceivable that we should not utilise wind energy, which is proven compared to most other current renewable technologies, has close to zero marginal cost and is immune from future price shocks. We expect that onshore and offshore wind will make the major contribution in progressing towards our UK renewables target of producing 10% of our electricity supplies from renewable sources by 2010 and looking ahead, to meeting our share of the EU 2020 target.
The Government is keen to encourage good quality renewable energy applications in order to meet the twin challenges of responding to climate change and ensuring security of supply. We are committed to the development of appropriately sited renewable energy projects that allow the UK to realise the potential of its extensive renewable resources. The Government will consult on a draft Renewable Energy Strategy (RES) later in 2008 in response to a draft EU Commission Directive published on 23 January 2008 proposing 15% as UK’s share of the EU’s 2020 renewables target. We are completely committed to meeting our share, when that has been agreed and we will publish the final RES in spring 2009.
The Government has, however, made clear that wind turbines should be located in appropriate places and that local concerns should be listened to. We recognise the need to ensure that all renewable energy developments take place within the formal planning procedure, which allows all relevant stakeholders, including members of the public, to put forward their views on the likely impact of any proposal on the environment and the local community. Any development of renewable energy must also be seen within the wider context of reducing carbon emissions and improving security of the energy supply.
The Department for Communities and Local Government’s (CLG) Planning Policy Statement (PPS) 22 on renewable energy highlights the need to take account of environmental impacts in terms of landscape and visual effects, which will vary on a case by case basis according to the type of development, its location and landscape setting. Similar guidelines are in place for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Details are available on the website.
¼br /> The Government also expects wind farm developers to carry out a rigorous analysis of the impacts that their projects are likely to have on the local environment through an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). An EIA is required for all projects applying for consent under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 (for projects over 50 megawatts), and the Local Planning Authority can request that one is completed for applications under the Town and Country Planning Act (for projects of 50 megawatts and under).
In terms of public opinion, surveys undertaken by BERR and other organisations show broad support for the expansion of renewable energy, and in particular wind power. A Government-commissioned survey in March 2007 of awareness and attitudes towards renewable energy discovered that public support for renewables remains high. The quantitative research project explored awareness and attitudes to renewable energy amongst the general public in Great Britain. The survey revealed that 83% of the general public supports the use of renewable energy, 82% are in favour of wind power and 59% would be happy to live within 5km (3 miles) of a wind power development.
A study into the Economic Impacts of Wind Farms on Scottish Tourism commissioned by the Scottish Executive published on 12 March 2008 found that three quarters of tourists surveyed for the study felt wind farms had a positive or neutral effect on the landscape and 97% of tourists in the sample said wind farms would have no impact on their decision to visit Scotland again.
delicious
digg
facebook
