Barriers to wind farms in the UK revealed

Conservationists, the Ministry of Defence and local authority planning departments have been outlined as the most influential objectors to wind power development in the UK, it was revealed at the British Wind Energy Association conference.

A speaker from the RSPB at the two-day event said that while the organisation supported the rise of renewable energy and the governments bold emissions reductions programme, it would object to any wind developments that threaten important populations of bird and their habitats. Almost all of the sites licensed for the second round of UK offshore wind farms are in areas identified by English Nature as potentially important for birds.

The Ministry of Defence stated its objection to 48% of UK wind farm developments during 2003 due to potential impacts on air defence radar systems. Local authority planning departments are believed to have objected to around 50%.

On the subject of MoD objections, Chris Tomlinson, BWEAs Head of Onshore Wind commented. The secret to resolving this issue ultimately lies with the MoD and Department of Transport taking a more active role and becoming genuinely committed to finding a technical solution. The Transport Secretary and Secretary of State for Defence have remained very quiet on this issue, but it remains a classic opportunity for "joined-up government" to help deliver their own targets, an opportunity which has been missed so far.”