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More Hot Air Surrounding Wind Power

The nation awoke this morning to find within their newspapers revelations of somewhat contentious comments made by Energy Minister John Hayes, creating a stir throughout social networking sites, radio and news channels.


31st October 2012    |     Kate Roche: Rolton Group


The Minister, whose views on some forms of renewable energy are renowned for being pejorative to say the least, yesterday delivered a keynote speech at the annual RenewableUK conference, during which he voiced support for the sector to hundreds of renewable professionals. This led some to believe that perhaps he had changed his mind, and was ready to embrace the fastest growing sector of the economy with both arms. He was credited in a press release written by RenewableUK with highlighting ‘the enormous economic and environmental benefits of renewable energy,’ and a collective sigh of relief was almost audible.

Fast forward not even 24 hours, however, and the tone on both sides has changed dramatically. Hayes has once more kicked the hornets’ nest by vocalising his opposition to the continued growth of onshore wind, claiming that ‘enough is enough,’ and that ‘it seems extraordinary to have allowed them to be peppered around the country without due regard for the interests of the local community or their wishes.’ RenewableUK meanwhile have released a second press release to state their shock and disappointment at the development, urging confirmation as to what this might mean for legislation, and whether Hayes’ views are supported by the Government.

Whilst the timing may be questionable, it is worth noting that Hayes’ foundational argument, ‘we are going to reach our 2020 target’ by utilising projects already in progress and therefore do not need to invest so heavily in further onshore wind does, at least for the moment, hold some merit. As things stand, the UK is well placed to meet its goals, but this does not vindicate the comments made by Hayes, nor does it render them in any way appropriate. The industry walks a fine wire of investor trust and stability, and will feel the effects of any loss of confidence which emerges as a result of public rebuttal by a Governmental official.

Though he claimed in his speech at the RenewableUK conference to recognise that ‘clarity can only be provided by Government creating the right kind of framework,’ Hayes appears to have forgotten that outbursts such as the one splashed over the news today will do bring about precisely the opposite. How can clarity be achieved when there is such a disjunction between policy and the opinions of ministers within Government? The UK cannot afford to alienate investors by damaging perceptions of security, which is almost inevitable even after Ed Davey’s rushed statement of reassurance via the DECC that ‘there has been no change to Government policy on renewable energy, as collectively agreed by the Coalition Cabinet.’

Bad publicity is the last thing the sector, and indeed the wider economy, needs right now, and Hayes should perhaps spend more time listening to his own advice than making ill-thought, disparaging remarks during such a precarious investment climate.


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