Thursday 20 September 2012

Ed Davey: Communities have seen wind farms but not windfall

Communities with onshore wind farms have had the energy but not the benefits, according to Energy Secretary Ed Davey.

His comments came alongside a consultation aimed to help communities secure financial, social and environmental benefits from having wind farms.

This includes ways to help cut energy bills, maximise local businesses’ participation in wind projects and provide investment for local infrastructure.

Mr Davey said: “We know that two-thirds of people support the growth of onshore wind. But far too often, host communities have seen the wind farms but not the windfall. We are sensitive to the controversy around onshore wind and we want to ensure that people benefit from having wind farms sited near to them.

“This new call for evidence will look at ways to reward host communities and ensure that wider investment, employment and social benefits are felt locally.”

The Government will also be consulting on whether subsidies for onshore wind from April 2014 have been set at the correct level.