Britain Leads the World

As of yesterday, Britain became the world leader in “Off Shore Wind Power Generation” That does not mean that we can sit back and assume we are doing well in cutting our greenhouse gasses, as this capacity is still only enough to power three hundred thousand homes. But it is a start, and there are plans held up by the planning process that would triple that capacity. The trouble is that the objectors always seem to shout the loudest.

As for on shore wind power, well here the story is different, as most applications to build suffer from even greater objections. As long as the environmental considerations are met, such as not building on peat bogs where it would release more carbon from the soil than would be saved by the power generated, and that the turbines are not sited where they will kill or injure birds or bats, then the assumption should be that turbines should be built.

Also our new secretary of state for the energy and climate chance, Ed Miliband, has announced that Britain will cut its CO2 emissions by eighty percent by 2050. That is an ambitious goal, but one that is achievable and required. As it is only by cutting carbon emissions by that level will it be possible to save the human race.

Additionally the UK government will legislate to force the power companies to pay the feed in tariffs that will encourage the development of small scale energy production. Community projects, wind turbines on peoples homes, solar panels, the list could go on. While this will require a significant investment now, the long term effect will be lower energy bills in the future, greater security of supply and a better environment.

In comparison with other countries in Europe, Britain is playing catch up, but this is better late than never. While I don't want to see my country sit back on its laurels, we can be rightly proud that we are making significant progress already.