Tuesday, June 08, 2010
Policy reform proposals put forward
by the new Coalition Government that demonstrate a renewed
commitment to the development of a low carbon economy have been
welcomed by leading independent wind energy developer West Coast
Energy Limited.
The Conservative-Liberal Democrat
Coalition Government has issued its key policy plans to tackle
climate change, which will see established a full system of feed-in
tariffs in electricity and a reform of the planning process to
allow greater control at local authority level. The strategy is
designed to decarbonise the economy by making planning more
efficient, creating new green jobs and fast-tracking sustainable
development programmes.
However, West Coast Energy warns
that in order to effect meaningful change the renewable energy
industry will need to work closely with local authorities to ensure
that the new policy plans are implemented fully.
Robert Tate, Managing Director of
West Coast Energy's Wind Development Business, comments: "Prior to
the election, less than 10 per cent of prospective Conservative
candidates agreed strongly that the expansion of onshore wind was
essential if the UK was to deliver on its renewable energy targets.
The percentage was much higher for the Liberal Democrat candidates,
and given that the new Secretary of State for Energy and Climate
Change, Chris Huhne, is a Liberal Democrat, our aim will be to work
with local authorities and local communities across the UK to
implement some of the new green initiatives of the Coalition
Government for our future energy security".
Gerry Jewson, Chairman and Chief
Executive of West Coast Energy Ltd, comments: "I am very pleased
that the coalition agreement has made specific mention of the need
to increase the target for energy; from renewable sources as well
as the full establishment of the Feed-in tariff mechanism to boost
renewable energy electricity generation. Going green can strengthen
the economy and create jobs that last. However, we do now need to
take climate change seriously and this is going to mean a continued
reliance on established renewable energy technologies such as
onshore wind energy and difficult decisions being taken at a local
level if we are to have a diverse and robust national energy
security strategy."
To mark the introduction of the
Feed-in Tariff system, West Coast Energy recently announced it is
actively seeking to partner with landowners to develop single
turbine installations of 250kW to 1.5MW, helping the UK achieve its
carbon reduction targets. Landowners receive either a guaranteed
income stream or discounted energy supply in exchange for the
rights to erect a wind turbine on their property.
Interested landowners may apply for
a free feasibility assessment.
