Wind claims fan U.K. energy row

In December, the U.K. government ordered a review of energy sources for power generation. Since then it has been attacked from all areas of industry. More than 100 energy companies, local authorities, industry associations, and interested parties have put their view to the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) during the review. The review angered the petroleum industry because John Battle, minister for science, energy, and industry, announced it by imposing a moratorium on approving new

May 11, 1998

3 min read

David Knott
London
[email protected]

In December, the U.K. government ordered a review of energy sources for power generation. Since then it has been attacked from all areas of industry.

More than 100 energy companies, local authorities, industry associations, and interested parties have put their view to the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) during the review.

The review angered the petroleum industry because John Battle, minister for science, energy, and industry, announced it by imposing a moratorium on approving new gas-fired power stations (OGJ, Jan. 12, 1998, p. 28).

DTI says it expects to reach conclusions before June 30. Meanwhile a ruckus has broken out over a "leaked" European Union (EU) document.

Environmental campaigner Greenpeace claims the document reveals that "...Battle is secretly opposing a European plan to double from 6% to 12% the amount of energy to be obtained from renewables in Europe by 2010."

Greenpeace claims that, despite having one of the best renewable resources in Europe (that is, being a windy place), the U.K. is at the bottom of the renewable energy league: "Less than 1% of U.K. energy is generated by renewables."

Denial

A DTI official told OGJ there is "absolutely no way Mr. Battle is secretly opposed to the EU white paper."

The official quoted Battle in a recent House of Commons debate: "Renewable energy is the energy of the future. We must campaign for it, get together and cooperate whenever we can to ensure that it has a future."

The DTI official said Greenpeace has misunderstood details of the renewables argument. DTI's target is that, by 2010, 10% of all electricity generated in the U.K. will come from renewable sources.

EU's target, said the official, is for 12% of all energy used to come from renewable sources by 2010. The EU target includes energy used in transport, said the official, making the U.K.'s a more ambitious renewables program.

Wind push

British Wind Energy Association (BWEA), London, says that, by 2025, wind power alone could provide 10% of U.K. electricity (OGJ, Mar. 16, 1998, p. 48).

BWEA Chief Executive Nick Goodall said that, while it makes sense for government to pursue a secure and diverse energy supply, behind the scenes of the energy review there have been alarming moves.

"There can't be many people," said Goodall, "with the exception of several large corporations that are in denial, who don't see great change in the energy mix ahead.

"But there has been lots of digging in of feet and talk of ring fencing-so much for coal, so much for oil, and so on. Growth doesn't have to be in core business; it can come through diversification."

BWEA says wind turbines mounted on offshore platforms could contribute more than half of anticipated U.K. wind power. Goodall expects about 12 groups of companies to submit proposals for offshore wind schemes.

"I'd be very surprised," said Goodall, "if some of the more business-savvy oil industry companies were not showing interest in this sector. Lots of this technology is transferable from oil and gas."

After Shell U.K. Ltd. joined BWEA, said Goodall, London-based engineering contractors AMEC plc and Kvaerner Oil & Gas Ltd. followed: "The value of Shell joining BWEA is impossible to quantify. Other companies say 'if they're in it, it must be worthwhile.'"