Onshore wind poised for a comeback as Tories warm to lower costs
The return of a controversial old friend. This article tells us:
Onshore wind power projects could make a return to the hard-fought competition for subsidies as Conservative energy ministers warm to turbines following sharp falls in offshore wind costs.
The Government announced an end to new subsidies for wind turbines two years ago after former Prime Minister David Cameron said that “enough is enough” for the roll out of turbines across England.
In the meantime the cost of offshore wind farms has fallen by half following steady government support, raising questions over whether onshore wind should be allowed to compete against other technologies to provide low-cost renewable energy.
Energy ministers Richard Harrington and Claire Perry both told delegates at the Conservative party conference that new onshore wind projects could return to play a role depending on whether their costs are competitive and they win the support of local communities.