RSPB CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO INCREASE COMMITMENT TO ONSHORE WIND
BWEA, the UK’s leading renewable energy association, welcomed today RSPB’s “Positive Planning for Onshore Wind†report, which sets out how to significantly expand UK’s onshore wind capacity. Evidence shows that it is possible to develop onshore wind farms, without damage to wildlife.
Maria McCaffery, Chief Executive of BWEA says: “Research on wind farms has consistently shown that wind turbines have a minimal impact on wildlife. On the other hand, it is now beyond doubt that climate change could have a devastating impact on bird habitats, if we don’t act soon. RSPB’s call for a step change in onshore wind deployment is timely and well judged.â€
The report recognises that as a part of a wider mix of renewables, a significant increase in onshore wind capacity, meaning a greater number of turbines, will have to be deployed in order for the UK to meet its objectives under the EU 2020 targets on renewable energy.
The report emphasises that the Government must ensure the national and local planning process is well resourced, in order to handle an increase in the number and scale of renewable energy projects. BWEA also pointed out that the issue of spatial planning raised in the report must not be used as an excuse to tangle wind farm applications in red tape.
“BWEA feel it is important that the RSPB report is followed with action on the ground. Government now needs to provide better resourcing for local authorities to deal with wind farm planning applications,†concluded McCaffery.