When it comes to wind power, the Government evidently hopes that out of sight means out of mind. Subsidies for the onshore turbines that many regard as a blot on the landscape are to be reduced, while those for offshore wind farms are to rise. With this move, the Coalition may hope to quell the growing revolt in rural England against what David Cameron allegedly referred to as “green crap” – in particular the march of turbines across the countryside.
However, neither the aesthetics of onshore wind power nor its propensity to inspire Nimbyism in Conservative-held constituencies is really the issue. Much more important is whether this form of electricity generation is economically viable or makes a contribution to Britain’s energy security. These questions must not be ducked, as they might well be if all future wind developments are at sea.
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