Earlier this week the Government announced the end of new subsidies for onshore wind projects and changes to planning laws so that local people have the final say on onshore windfarm applications – delivering on our manifesto commitments.
The government parliamentary statement is found here: http://www.parliament.uk/documents/commons-vote-office/June%202015/18%20June/2-DECC-Wind.pdf
While onshore wind power is an important part of our energy mix there are now enough projects in the pipeline to help us meet our renewable energy commitments.
Our manifesto made a clear commitment to end new subsidies for onshore wind and to change the law so that local people have the final say on onshore windfarm applications. We will now deliver on this through an Energy Bill, which will be presented to Parliament during the current session.
This is part of our plan to meet our energy needs and keep bills low for families while making sure local communities have more of a say over what happens in their area. The process will take a bit of parliamentary time but the plan is to cut subsidies by May 2016. The renewable industries will need to stand on their feet, and the subsidy can be better used elsewhere. An example of this is the Swansea Bay tidal energy project which was signed off last week as well:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/earth/energy/11663518/Swansea-Bay-tidal-energy-lagoon-gets-green-light-from-Amber-Rudd.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/earth/energy/11663518/Swansea-Bay-tidal-energy-lagoon-gets-green-light-from-Amber-Rudd.html
