Election issues: Offshore Wind


·       The UK has some of the best wind resource in Europe. The UK has 20 offshore windfarms (including the 4 largest farms in the world) and a 3308MW capacity.

·       Since the first UK offshore wind farm was built over a decade ago, offshore wind has evolved to become a large-scale commercial renewable technology with an important role to play in the government’s long term plan for a balanced low carbon electricity generation portfolio to help meet our 2050 carbon targets.

·       The UK has supported the development of a sustainable offshore wind industry and recognises the large scale investment and commercial opportunities which this industry presents.

·       We want to see UK-based businesses grow to create a centre of engineering excellence that delivers cost reduction for UK projects and exports to overseas markets.

Comments

Jim said…
You have repeatedly stated on your own blog that wind power is a very inefficient technology, its a very poor contender compared to tidal or nuclear energy (both carbon 0) better options, so why the big change to offshore wind, which can only ezist via subsidy?????????

Wind is a terrible and unreliable source of power, and then when its too strong you cant use it, its not there when you need it, and its highly unpredictable.

I understand a person has to bite the bullet at times, if standing for election under a party ticket, but this is what you might say a step too far.

You know, pot calling kettle and all.
7:00 pm
Chris Whiteside said…
I don't believe we should put too many eggs in the Wind Power basket, partly because I don't believe that we should place too much reliance on any one source of energy and partly for the reasons you state.

I am absolutely committed to New Nuclear Build forming part of the mix, and I'd also like to see more effort made to hardness tidal power.

I also think we have quite enough onshore wind farms.

However, since we need a wide range of sources of energy, and offshore wind has some advantages over onshore wind, I can see the sense in the policy allowing for offshore wind forming part of the mix.
11:49 pm
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