Yesterday, deputy PM Nick Clegg took the opportunity to deliver a firm rebuttal to the attempted “Green Revolt” of the weekend. Introducing Ed Davey as the new Climate Secretary, Mr Clegg said:
“The race is on to lead the world in clean, green energy. Last year we saw record-breaking global investment in renewables, outstripping the cash piled into fossil fuels. The new economic powerhouses – China, India, Korea, Brazil – are now serious contenders for that capital. In today’s world, the savviest states understand that going for growth means going green. Low-carbon markets are the next frontier in the battle for global pre-eminence. I want the UK to be the number one destination for green investment. We’re in this race to win it.”
Laura Sandys, a Tory MP who supports wind power, said:
“Wind often gets a bad press but actually it costs the average UK household only £10 a year and generates electricity 80% of the time. Onshore, offshore, marine, solar, waste to energy should all form part of our mixed energy economy. As a collective, these technologies have the capability to help guard families across the country against energy price shocks.”
Yesterday we reported on the cynical nature of the MPs complaints about the (relatively small) £400m annual subsidy to wind energy. Here’s another specific example: MP Simon Revell signed the letter even though engineering firm David Brown recently won a contract with Samsung to develop…. wind turbine technology in his constituency.
When Vestas pulled out of their Isle of Wight factory it was the local MP who bemoaned the decision, despite being a vocal opponent to several wind turbine applications on the island.
“Cake” and “Eat it” spring to mind.
The timing of revolt may also have led Vestas to have second thoughts about developing the new multi-million pound turbine assembly plant in Kent. Kent County Council officials have been scurrying over to Denmark in an attempt to patch things up.