Environment Agency Announces Plans to Develop Renewable Energy Projects

Published: 24/11/2008

The Environment Agency has today announced that it is working with Partnerships for Renewables to develop renewable energy projects. As part of the plans, up to 80 wind turbines could be built on Environment Agency owned land across the country with a potential capacity of 200 megawatts and generating an amount of renewable energy equivalent to that used by 90,000 households.

In addition the turbines will generate up to £2.4 million of revenue every year – money that will be ploughed back into protecting and improving the environment, and adapting to climate change.

The announcement was made at the ‘Environmental futures 08: creating the climate for change’ conference in London.

Dr Paul Leinster, Chief Executive at the Environment Agency, said: “The development of renewable energy will play a major part in the UK’s response to climate change and a key role in meeting our future energy needs.

“By developing these renewable energy projects we are helping to limit and adapt to the effects of climate change, reduce our dependency on fossil fuels and help develop a low-carbon economy. We are identifying the main contributors to our own carbon footprint – such as major pumping stations – and looking at how we can generate renewable energy to power them.

“We will also be reviewing possibilities of using land we own to develop opportunities to generate renewable energy for the national grid. It is fitting that the Environment Agency is taking a leading role in the public sector development of renewables.“

Stephen Ainger, Chief Executive of Partnerships for Renewables, said: “This initiative is about tackling climate change head on. I believe that the leadership shown by the Environment Agency to proactively fight climate change, rather than purely concentrate on the many challenges resulting from it, sets an important example for other environmental protection agencies around the world to follow.

“The Environment Agency has taken a bold step and we are delighted to be working in partnership with them on such a positive initiative.”

Welcoming the announcement Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP, Secretary of State at the new Department of Energy and Climate Change, said: “By installing their own renewable projects the Environment Agency, working with Partnerships for Renewables, will boost the amount of renewable energy generated in this country, helping to cut carbon emissions and secure more home grown energy. The move also makes financial sense for the Environment Agency.

“We want even more homes, communities, businesses and public sector organisations to join in this national effort to play their part in defeating climate change. That’s why we’re putting in place a feed in tariff to make smaller scale generation more financially attractive to more people.”

The announcement was also welcomed by Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth and the British Wind Energy Association.

Robin Oakley, Head of Greenpeace UK’s Climate Change campaign said:“In this economic downturn it’s increasingly clear that green technology can be a key driver of economic renewal in the UK. The Environment Agency and Partnerships for Renewables are demonstrating that green energy makes financial as well as environmental sense.

Friends of the Earth’s Energy Campaigner Nick Rau said: “By generating clean, safe renewable energy the Environment Agency will cut its carbon footprint – while earning thousands of pounds in additional revenue every year. We hope more organisations, communities, homes and businesses will follow suit and develop similar projects.

“The UK has one of the biggest green energy potentials in Europe. Developing renewable energy could help kick-start a green industrial revolution – creating new green jobs and playing a major role in tackling climate change.”

Charles Anglin, Director of Communications for the British Wind Energy Association (BWEA), said: "BWEA warmly welcomed plans announced today by the Environment Agency to expand its remit and start generating clean energy. The public sector has a vital role to play in tackling climate change and reaching the UK''s renewable targets. Schemes like these will make all the difference to the UK''s efforts to switch to a clean, environmentally friendly energy supply"


For media enquiries contact:

Tom Brinicombe. Partnerhsips for Renewables, 0207 170 6800, tom.brinicombe@pfr.co.uk

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