CBI calls for wind-power cut ahead of 2009 energy white paper">CBI calls for wind-power cut ahead of 2009 energy white paper
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has criticised the Government for putting “too many energy eggs in one basket”, by targeting wind power at the expense of other renewable forms of energy.
In a report launched ahead of the energy white paper due on Wednesday, business leaders called for a more “balanced approach”, which includes promoting ‘clean coal’ and nuclear energy as well as wind power, if the UK is to reach its low carbon targets.
However, Andrew Warren, director of the Association for the Conservation of Energy and formerly a member of the CBI’s energy policy committee, told the BBC that the committee’s criticism of wind-power was no surprise, given that it is ‘dominated’ by big power companies such as EDF.
“EDF have been lobbying very hard for less obligations on renewables, saying it will distract from nuclear,” he said.
“This is precisely what [former trade and industry secretary] Patricia Hewitt warned would happen when she published the ‘no-new-nukes’ 2003 energy white paper.”
According to the Guardian, Vincent de Rivaz, the chief executive of EDF in Britain, and Paul Golby, the boss of E.ON UK, were both quick to welcome the CBI report.
Called “Decision Time”, the report calls on the Government to reduce the expected percentage of the country’s needs that will be met by wind power in 2020, to encourage investment in other low-carbon energy sources.
Quoted by the BBC, CBI deputy director general John Cridland said: “The Government’s disjointed approach is deterring the private sector investment needed to get our energy system up to scratch, bolster security and cut emissions.”
“While we have generous subsidies for wind power, we urgently need the national planning statements needed to build new nuclear plants.”
Looking ahead to the white paper, Friends of the Earth campaign director Mike Childs called for the UK to show international leadership.
“This country has one of the best renewable energy resources in the world which could slash emissions, create new green jobs and industries and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels,” he said.
“The cost of tackling climate change will be dwarfed by the financial and human consequences of failing to act.”
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Originally posted 2009-07-14 09:49:00. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
