British government to end onshore wind farm subsidies a year early

• 8 years ago (2015-06-19)

Europe 1061 Renewables 752

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The proposals could threaten up to 1000 projects whose investment plans could be affected by the switch in policy.

After intense criticism from the onshore wind industry that she was intervening just when it was reaching maturity, Amber Rudd, the UK Energy Minister, said: "We have to create a balance between supporting the industry, reaching our targets and looking after the taxpayer." She went on to say that wind farms are on track to provide 10 per cent of UK energy by 2020.

Emma Pinchbeck, head of climate and energy policy at WWF UK, said: "The proposed cuts to onshore wind will drive out investment in the cheapest form of renewable electricity and put up energy bills ... the Prime Minister is showing leadership on securing a global agreement on climate change [in Paris]. The government needs to close the gap between this international commitment and domestic policy decisions if it is not to undermine his credibility on the international stage."

Meanwhile the Scottish government is seeking consultations with the UK government as up to 70 per cent of proposed onshore wind farms would be in Scotland – and which are now threatened by this change in policy.