Wind Power
Energy and Climate Change
Peter Bone (Wellingborough, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what his policy is on onshore wind farms and the level of subsidy they receive.
Charles Hendry (Minister of State (Renewable Energy), Energy and Climate Change; Wealden, Conservative)
Onshore wind is a vital part of the UK's diverse energy mix. It is a cost-effective, low-carbon technology that can be deployed at scale now to help meet our energy security objectives in a low carbon way.
The costs of onshore wind are projected to reduce to 2020 and the Renewables Obligation Banding Review Consultation(1) proposed a 10% reduction in the level of support from April 2013. This reflects our determination to ensure that costs for energy consumers are fair and good value, and developers are encouraged to install facilities where the wind resource is strongest.
We will complete the review and issue a Government response confirming support levels in the spring. Legislation setting the new bands in law will come into effect on
(1) The Renewables Obligation Banding Review consultation is available on the DECC website at:
http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/consultations/cons_ro _review/cons_ro_review.aspx