Comment on lifting of onshore wind ban

Jess Ralston is available for interview and further comment.

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By George Smeeton

info@eciu.net

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Commenting on the news that the Government is expected to ease an effective ban on new onshore wind farms in England [1], Jess Ralston, Energy Analyst at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) said:

“More British onshore wind could help to reduce bills while improving our energy security as we’ll need to buy less expensive gas from abroad. It’s also a no-brainer for Government as onshore wind is popular with the public. Around three quarters of people support new onshore wind farms in their area, including Conservative voters, and say they would be proud of their local MP for backing a new wind farm, which politicians may want to bear in mind with an election looming.

“Lifting the ban also sends a message that the Government is serious about ensuring that the benefits of cheaper renewables can be maximised, which is sensible given the alternative, gas, is expected to stay 2-3 times higher than pre-crisis levels for the foreseeable future.”

The announcement comes as new polling by YouGov for the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit shows 60% of people would be ‘proud’ if their local MP backed a new onshore wind in their area. Only 10% said they would be ‘embarrassed’ [2].

Notes to editors:

  1. Rishi Sunak to lift onshore wind ban as Tory MPs threaten revolt: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-66715141
  2. Energy Bill: poll shows public ‘proud’ to vote for MPs backing onshore wind: https://eciu.net/media/press-releases/2023/energy-bill-poll-shows-public-proud-to-vote-for-mps-backing-onshore-wind

For more information or for interview requests:

George Smeeton, Head of Communications, ECIU, Tel: 07894 571 153, email: george.smeeton@eciu.net