Liberal Democrat Energy Secretary Ed Davey (pictured) has warned the Conservative Party’s plans to end financial support for new onshore wind farms would be “disastrous”.
Conservative Energy Minister Michael Fallon today said his party would scrap public subsidies and alter planning policies so all onshore wind farm applications would be handled by local authorities if they win the 2015 general election.
However Mr Davey said the current Government is green because his party “fought every step of the way to protect our environment and lead the fight against climate change”.
He added: “We have already fought the Conservatives over capping onshore wind in this Government – and won.
“Putting the brakes on onshore wind would be disastrous for business and jobs in our growing green economy. Onshore wind is one of the cheapest forms of green energy so cutting it could lead to higher bills.
“You can’t trust the Conservatives on their own to build a fairer society. Only with Liberal Democrats in Government can we build a stronger economy and a fairer society.”
RenewableUK also slammed the plans and believes scrapping onshore wind support is “bad news” for jobs, bill-payers and a “bad move electorally”.
Chief Executive Maria McCaffery added: “Two thirds of voters back onshore wind and voters of all parties prefer it as a neighbour to fossil fuel technologies like shale gas.
“When it comes to something as important as guaranteeing the security of the UK’s future energy supply, the British public deserve better than ill-considered, short-term policy making on the hoof like this.”
Environmental group Greenpeace also believes the “disastrous policy” risks undermining the nation’s energy security, increasing bills and hampering efforts to slash carbon emissions.
UK Energy Campaigner Louise Hutchins said: “Cutting incentives for wind power when we’re trying to reduce our reliance on energy imports is tantamount to self-sabotage – our suppliers of costly, polluting fossil fuels, including Putin, will be rubbing their hands.
“UN scientists have just warned about the risks of climate change and the need for a massive clean energy shift yet the Tory right wing seems to think this is happening on a different planet.”
