Windfarms: You have no option
COMMUNITIES in the Westcountry have "no option" but to support a massive expansion of wind farms in the face of the growing threat from climate change, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband warns today.
While it is "perfectly natural" for the region to want to protect its coastline, countryside and natural beauty from development, Mr Miliband says "we have some tough choices to make".
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Writing exclusively in today's Western Morning News, he insists new wind turbines must be in "appropriate places", but that the need for a massive expansion of green energy cannot be ignored.
While wind farms "may not be to everyone's taste", the threat of climate change and the need to secure future energy supplies means "we have no option" but to plough ahead with large-scale renewable developments.
"Yes, we need to do what we can to protect our beautiful landscape, but we also need to take action to keep the lights on and prevent catastrophic climate change, otherwise it will be our landscape that will suffer."
He points to a survey which showed that 94 per cent of people in the Westcountry support renewable energy.
Mr Miliband's plea to people in the region to recognise the environmental need – and economic benefits – of a move to green energy follows his controversial comments last month that it was "socially unacceptable" to block wind farms.
He likened such opposition to motorists not wearing a seatbelt or refusing to stop at a pedestrian crossing.
The remarks sparked a wave of protest, with some suggesting the need to tackle global warning was not proven.
Top scientist Professor James Lovelock, who lives on the border of Devon and Cornwall near Launceston, last week highlighted the "strength of the opposition many of us feel to the trashing of our still-beautiful countryside".
However, in his article, Mr Miliband dismisses those who still dispute the existence of climate change as a "small minority", warning: "The impacts of unchecked climate change will be felt not just in faraway countries, but right here in Britain and in the South West of England."
He says he is "optimistic" about the region's ability to rise to the challenge of climate change, being "enviably placed to benefit from the emergence of a green economy".
"I have every confidence that the South West will continue to be at the forefront of the environmental sector, with residents fully involved in decision-making, and supportive of our efforts to transform the UK into a clean, green, leader in the low-carbon future," he said.
The South West is "leading the way" on renewable energy, with 74,000 so-called green collar jobs so far and the potential for 30,000 more as part of Government plans to move to a low-carbon economy. However, ministers have come under fire in recent weeks for not injecting more funds into green energy in a bid to kickstart the economy.
Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg complained that the Prime Minister has talked about green-collar jobs, "yet his fiscal stimulus has less green stimulus than any other fiscal stimulus in the G20".
Mr Miliband also writes that families across the region will also benefit from the Government's eco-plans. Under the Low Carbon Buildings Programme, householders, charities and public sector organisations in the South West will receive a total of almost £6.3 million to help them generate their own green energy.
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by Doug, Exeter
Friday, April 24 2009, 8:48AM
“The problem with nuclear energy, which hasn't been discussed in these comments, is the carbon that is emitted to mine and transport the fuel from mines in countries such as South Africa. Nuclear is not a low carbon technology. Furthermore, known resources of uranium will only fuel the existing global fleet of nuclear power stations for the next 80 years. Interstingly, these facts are available within the academic community but are conveniently overlooked by Government White Papers on energy and climate change. Nuclear is NOT a sustainable option.
But to those of you who advocate it, what would you rather? A nuclear power station in your district, or a wind farm?”
by Justin, Cornwall
Friday, April 10 2009, 10:06PM
“You mean UKIP Charles. Don't trust Charles Luke,he's been on the dark side of the force for along time. Trust your feelings Luke. The force will be with you. . . always.”
by Charles Henry 1945-(diutunity), Somersetshire
Friday, April 10 2009, 5:19PM
“:| Luke; I meant an alternative strategy to trusting Cameron/Hague and Co. . . I realise you are pro-nuclear. Any alternative is unthinkable.”
by Luke, Devon
Friday, April 10 2009, 5:11PM
“You didn't read my post, CH. I said the anti-nuke position worried me. I'm pro-nuke and would, like others who have expressed an opinion on this forum, be happy to live next to one. I did, for 15 years.”
by Frank, Holsworthy
Friday, April 10 2009, 5:08PM
“There is no immediate alternative to nuclear that is sustainable and able to reduce carbon emissions. Fusion is still 30-40 years away, in a commercial sense, but fission is becoming greener, (ugh, did I say that) cleaner, safer and the waste issues are solvable.”
by Charles Henry 1945-(diutunity), Somersetshire
Friday, April 10 2009, 4:36PM
“:| Three Mile Island was then. . . The industry has since moved forward. .
Nuclear power is no longer viewed as "a last resort" by the Conservatives. . Many have a genuine aversion to nuclear in all parties. . But no-one has a hope of selling 'Global Warming' if they remain anti-nuclear. . Nuclear Fusion is also still 'out there'. . We have no alternative in my view. . Have you an alternative strategy? . I would seriously like to hear if you have.”
by Luke, Devon
Friday, April 10 2009, 3:43PM
“It wouldn't be the first time a contract has been cancelled, CH. And especially in the nuclear power business.
In the '70s after TMI, many contracts were cancelled in the US, and not a single one was started here until Sizwell B in the early 90s.
The Tories, it still appears, are very anti nukes. It worries me.”
by Charles Henry 1945-(diuturnity), Somersetshire
Friday, April 10 2009, 9:32AM
“:| That's a very valid comment Luke, but the contract to build nulclear is already out there. . A March 16th. report by Carol Millet.
French promise Brits £10bn of nuclear work.
British firms could win up to £10bn of work from Areva¿s £14.2bn new build nuclear programme in the UK, Areva president Luc Oursel said today.
The French reactor designer is planning to deliver up to ten European Pressurised Reactors (EPR), worth £14.42bn, as part of the UK's £40bn new nuclear programme. The first four will be for energy firm EDF, with work on the first EDF site beginning in 2013.
Speaking at Areva¿s suppliers¿day: "Join the Nuclear Renaissance", held in Birmingham this morning, Oursel said UK firms were in the vanguard of a global nuclear renaissance that would open up opportunities both in the UK and overseas.
He said: "Although we shall manufacture the main heavy components ourselves, that represents only some 30% of the total nuclear island equipment by value. The available market is some 70% of the total.
Cameron is a 'Politician'.”
by Luke, Devon
Thursday, April 09 2009, 8:42PM
“When will real people take control of this country's destiny? I fear that when the Tories get in next year (as they undoubtedly will) the nuclear power option will be in question, as Cameron has expressed his opposition.
Then, where will we be? Back to square one, without an energy policy once again. Some would say up the ****creek without a paddle.
Meanwhile the giant French and German utilities will laugh at us and rip us off for all we're worth!”
by Anna, Holsworthy
Thursday, April 09 2009, 7:46PM
“Well said Luke!
Andrew, London, micro-turbines are not economical and do not really work in most places (again, not my words.. but I agree). Solar panels are too expensive to be an option for the lower earners. Biomass is evident in Holsworthy, at least if you have any sense of smell and it certainly isn't recommendable. It is not a question of having an industrial turbine or a power station in your garden, because if you have the turbine, you would have to have the power station for when the wind is not blowing at the right speed - therefore I know what I would have...
Sorry I cannot give you better news.... Maybe some scoping around Hyde Park or Regent Park would help or wherever you live... That usually wakes people up!!!”