The new plans also highlight the expansion of onshore wind power in Scotland, where the support SNP is in government, as well as in Wales. Other ideas suggested by the industry include setting up a local fuel poverty fund that could help those most in need or financing the insulation of nearby homes to reduce energy costs. The government also plans to set up what has been dubbed the “dry wind action group”, including the Octopus and RenewableUK energy groups. At a meeting with wind industry executives on Thursday, Mr. Johnson was informed that it takes a day to build a wind turbine on land, but up to 10 years to get approval. There are some indications that public opinion has warmed to the onshore wind farms, especially if they lead to reduced energy bills in the nearby area. Dan McGrail, CEO of RenewableUK, said: “Land-based wind energy is the cheapest source of new energy in the UK, so it plays a key role in reducing electricity bills because we can build shovel-ready projects faster than any other. energy source .” A government spokesman said: “We will soon draw up an ambitious plan to increase our use of a variety of renewable energy sources, including offshore wind, solar and hydrogen, all of which are backed by nuclear and ongoing oil and natural gas support. in the North Sea. “Any decisions about offshore wind will always be subject to the consent of the local communities.”
