Ahead of the coming general election, the BWEA urges the Government to promote growth in the onshore and offshore wind sectors, wave and tidal energy sector and small wind systems.

The manifesto, advocating a ‘decisive push forward’, follows the latest wind energy deployment statistics showing that the UK wind energy installation rate has topped 1 GW for the first time in a calendar year.

Maria McCaffery, BWEA Chief Executive, says: “We have consulted our members extensively on what measures are needed to reach UK’s 2020 targets, and we have produced the most comprehensive and constructive set of proposals yet on how to enable the renewable industry to fulfil its potential. Policy makers from all parties would be well advised to have a read.”

The manifesto

The 32-page BWEA document singles out four key areas of concern for renewable wind power: finance, planning, skills and supply chain and grid. [You can find the full manifesto on the right hand side of this page, ed.]

It offers a range of solutions for each technology (onshore, offshore, wave and tidal, and small wind systems), including specific actions on reforming Ofgem to speed up grid connections, proposals on community benefits and a call for a Government backed retail investment scheme.