The manifesto outlines the contribution that wind, wave and tidal power can make to security of supply, energy bill stability, UK economic growth and climate change objectives, as well as policy actions needed from government.
In the document, the onshore wind industry pledges to be the cheapest form of new generation by 2020, subject to the right policy framework. A taskforce has been set up by RenewableUK to identify the steps needed to ensure this goal is achieved. It is expected to report by the end of 2014.
Commenting on the cost reduction task force, Maria McCaffery, chief executive of RenewableUK, said: “The onshore wind industry is committed to reducing costs. With the right leadership from the next government, we’re confident that we can do this, so come 2020 onshore wind will be cheaper than new nuclear, gas, and all other renewables.
Many ageing fossil fuel-based power stations are going to close over the next decade, so we need to invest in new capacity. Onshore wind is a good choice in helping us cut costs and cut carbon. We hope the political parties will take on board this exciting opportunity, and work with us to help it come to fruition. The Committee on Climate Change has said we need to more than treble the amount of onshore wind we have today by 2030, and that means investment in the next parliament.”