Leader: Concern Over Wind Power

Leader: Concern Over Wind Power

Dec 27 - Scotsman, The

IN SEEKING to promote a debate in Scotland about the role of nuclear power in future energy policy, Allan Wilson, the minister for renewable energy, has triggered a predictable condemnation from the nationalists and others who believe wind and wave power should sweep all before them. Unfortunately for the advocates of wind power, many of whom do not live in the country, it is clear both from growing protests and The Scotsman letters page that there are many who do not wish some of our most beautiful scenery to be covered in wind turbines. There is also a growing number who now suspect the economics of wind power. Professor David Simpson, in an admirable recent paper for the David Hume Institute, laid bare some of the wilder assumptions behind wind farm economics. Thus Mr Wilson's remarks have not come out of the blue, but reflect a significant shift already under way here for a broader debate.

His intervention is welcome and courageous. Britain now looks on course to miss its targets on renewables without recourse to more nuclear plants. It makes little sense, given concerns over greenhouse gas reduction and when Finland has opted to build more nuclear plants, to be planning the total elimination of nuclear power. There are dangers, certainly. But policy should be continuously re-examined in the light of changing technology and public concerns.

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