Local communities are to be bribed to accept onshore wind farms with cheaper energy bills. http://www.politics.co.uk/news/2013/06/06/acceptable-bribery-local-communities-offered-100k-a-year-for
A new Europol report cites an “emerging trend” of Mafia involvement in the wind and renewable energy industry across Europe, the Americas and Australia. The attraction is clear: huge subsidies, guaranteed markets and prices – and a serious opportunity for money-laundering. http://www.trendingcentral.com/wind-energy-the-greenfellas-connection/
Shale gas: Co-op is major corporate backer of anti-fracking movement http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/environment/10223936/Shale-gas-Co-op-is-major-corporate-backer-of-anti-fracking-movement.html
The Energy and Climate Change Committee said local residents should be offered a cut in electricty bills or a stake in the ownership of renewable energy developments in their area. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/earthnews/10223755/Communities-should-be-paid-for-wind-and-solar-in-their-neighbourhood.html
A Fife MP has backed a community campaign to protect the countryside. http://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/local/fife/fife-mp-backs-anti-turbine-campaign-1.117960
A wealthy oil baron’s plans to ignite coal seams off the Fife coast have sparked concerns of an environmental disaster. http://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/local/fife/concerns-over-fife-coal-firing-plans-1.117629
Co-operative forced to freeze renewable energy lending Mutual admits it could fail to hit £1bn pledge to green energy projects http://www.businessgreen.com/bg/news/2286823/cooperative-forced-to-freeze-renewable-energy-lending
A developer looking to site massive wind turbines in the Northumberland countryside has upped its community benefit offer – but been accused of trying to “buy the soul” of residents. http://www.thejournal.co.uk/news/north-east-news/belford-wind-farm-company-accused-5586636