Wicks is expected to deliver his speech at the All-Energy conference in Aberdeen this week, consolidating the Labour government’s pledge to focus on increasing internal UK power production.
The move will mean that for the wind industry to meet targets more than 2000 wind turbines will need to be installed across the UK, with up to 1500 more offshore. The decision is supported by a report from the Sustainable Development Commission that said wind power was essential for the UK to tackle the threat of global warming, and the cheapest option for generating emission-free electricity.
The announcement comes as evidence is heard at the inquiry into the controversial Cumbrian Whinash wind farm. The inquiry has witnessed a hardening of attitudes among pro- and anti-wind farm groups in the UK. The government’s decision to steam ahead with wind power is drawing calls from anti-Whinash protesters for clear statements on where the expansion in wind farms would take place.
