DTI Blows Hot And Cold On Sustainable Energy

12.00.00am GMT Thu 27th Mar 2003

Responding to a speech by Energy Minister Brian Wilson, announcing capital grants to a number of offshore wind farms but no funding for an upgrade to the electricity grid to support renewable energy sources, Vince Cable MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow DTI Secretary, said:

"Grants to specific wind projects are welcome, but the failure to fund the upgrading of the electricity grid to support renewable energy sources is a real sting in the tail."

"If renewable energy is to be economically viable, investment to upgrade the electricity grid is imperative."

"This is yet another example of the Government's failure to commit wholeheartedly to a sustainable energy policy, despite all the fine words in the Energy White Paper."

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Brian Wilson MP was speaking today at a conference organised by the British Wind Energy Association - UK Offshore Wind 2003.