wind power

Britain's energy system is already capable of taking a large amount of wind power, according to a new report released today by a leading energy expert. 

The report shows that there is no technical reason why a significant amount of energy generated by wind cannot be used to supply the National Grid. 

And, as the report is launched, Britain's leading environmental organisations are calling on the Government to listen to the experts and provide a boost to the country's wind industry. 

Key findings include: 

Responding to news today that offshore wind farms in the UK could power 19m homes, Dr Doug Parr, Greenpeace chief scientist, said: 

"Offshore wind farms must be a key part of the UK's future energy supply. And they won't just generate electricity, they'll also generate thousands of British jobs and help tackle energy security. 

"But if Britain is to get all the benefits that offshore wind will provide, the government must do more to support the industry." 

ENDS 

Greenpeace press office: 020 7865 8255

Responding to today's report by the ippr, which says that the opportunity to create up to 70,000 UK jobs in the offshore wind industry could be lost due to a lack of government support, Greenpeace executive director John Sauven said:

"The renewable energy sector - which could provide tens of thousands of jobs - received nothing in the government's fiscal stimulus package.

BP's announcement of record profits masks major flaws in the company's long term investment strategy, according to analysts at Greenpeace and PLATFORM.

Strong growth recorded in the first half of 2008 was undermined by a collapse in profits during the final quarter, indicating a vulnerability to oil price fluctuations which will continue while BP remains wedded to an “oil at any cost” strategy.