Renewable Energy Association
Press Release
6th February 2012
Immediate Release

                               REA applauds Government for standing firm on wind power

Gaynor Hartnell, Chief Executive of the Renewable Energy Association, responds to calls from 100+ MPs for Ed Davey to reign back on wind power

“Onshore wind is one of the most cost-effective renewables in the UK. If we cut back on our aspirations for it, the overall costs of renewables will increase because we will have to draw on more expensive technologies instead. We are pleased to see Clegg, Cameron and Davey all standing firm in their commitment to wind in the face of this latest campaign from the Tory backbenches.

“We need to develop a diverse portfolio of wind projects; from the larger wind farms in those landscapes which can accommodate them, to smaller arrays of large turbines in industrial locations – and ideally community-owned and initiated ventures too. The cost of wind energy is recovered from all electricity consumers; so ideally, communities with suitable sites should be proactively seeking developments to reap the economic benefits of wind power at the local scale.

“If achieving planning permission becomes ever harder, we will pay a greater premium for our renewables.”

                                                                              ENDS


For further information or to request an interview, please contact:

REA switchboard: 020 7925 3570, or

Name: Gaynor Hartnell
Title: Chief Executive, REA
Tel: 07870 629575

Notes to Editors

1. The Renewable Energy Association represents renewable energy producers and promotes the use of all forms of renewable energy in the UK across power, heat, transport and renewable gas. It is the largest renewable trade association in the UK, with 960 members, ranging from major multinationals to sole traders.