Oct 09, 2007 -- M2 PRESSWIRE
The Government's continuing support for renewable energy will be underlined
today by Malcolm Wicks in his keynote address to the wind industry annual
conference in Glasgow.
He will tell the British Wind Energy Association that he is giving Devon
Wind Power the go-ahead for their 66MW Fullabrook Down wind project in north
Devon.
The decision follows a four-week public inquiry into the development in
December 2006 and January 2007.
When fully operational the 22 turbine scheme will generate enough clean
electricity to meet the average annual needs of 30,000 domestic consumers -
equivalent to over 80% of domestic electricity consumption or some 30% of
total energy electricity consumption in North Devon. It will also save
almost 65,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.
Malcolm Wicks said:
"This Government is matching words with action. We said we needed to make
tough choices if we are to achieve our clean energy objectives and that is
exactly what we are doing. Fullabrook Down will make a substantial
contribution to meeting Devon's renewable target of generating 151 MW of
renewable electricity by 2010 and would be nearly double the North Devon
District Council's target of 36MW."
"Our renewable future is burning bright in Britain. Innovative projects like
the new wave and tidal testing facility off the Orkney Islands, the recently
consented Wave Hub in Cornwall and a Severn Barrage, if developed, will all
ensure the UK remains a centre of renewable excellence.
"It is this vision that will triple our renewable electricity generation by
2015 and help meet our twin goals of energy security and tackling climate
change."
As well as delivering on the Government's pledge to get projects through the
planning system, Wicks will set out what additional action is being taken in
order to deliver even more capacity.
This includes proposals to 'band' the Renewables Obligation to give
increased support to developing technologies such as offshore wind and
solar. Amending the Climate Change Policy Planning Statement so that it is
more heavily weighed in favour of renewables applications. A Transmission
Access Review that will streamline grid connections and the Department for
Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform working with Ofgem to establish
an Offshore Transmission Regime that will connect up a raft of new,
large-scale offshore wind projects to the mainland.
Notes to Editors:
* North Devon Wind Power - Contact Elizabeth.dunn@burges-salmon.com(0117)
902 2738
Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform
7th Floor 1 Victoria Street London SW1H 0ET Public Enquiries +44 (0)20 7215
5000 Textphone +44 (0)20 7215 6740 (for those with hearing impairment)
http://www.berr.gov.uk
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