WIND POWER

Early day motion 689, tabled 8 February 2005 by Lord Whitehead (Labour). Signed by 68 members.

That this House supports the expansion of on and offshore wind power; notes that this is currently the most technologically advanced and economically viable renewable energy source available in the UK; recognises that each year current working wind farms provide as much electricity as is used by 495,000 homes and avoid the emission of two million tonnes of carbon dioxide; welcomes the expected investment of some ú7 billion in the sector over the next six years, which has the potential to create 20,000 new jobs; notes the recent comments of the National Grid Company that the expected intermittency of wind does not pose such a major problem for stability and that it is confident that this can be adequately managed; recognises the support of more than 70 per cent. of the British public in both rural and urban communities for wind energy and wind farms; and congratulates the British Wind Energy Association and its member companies on their success in promoting the UK wind industry, in particular at the European Wind Energy Conference held recently in London.

Signatures by party: Labour 41, Liberal Democrat 20, Labour/Co-operative 4, Conservative 1, DUP 1, UUP 1.