UK plans more windfarms

Eleven zones around the UK coastline have been earmarked as potential sites for giant wind farms.

The site examination is part of a drive by the UK government to produce more of the country’s energy using sustainable and renewable sources.

According to European Union targets, the UK must produce 20% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020.

Currently the UK is second only to Denmark in Europe for wind powered energy, and if the planned sites are given the go ahead, the UK will become Europe’s biggest producer of wind power.

The Crown Estate, which owns the seas around the UK, is co-operating with the plans and has said that it will invest 50% of the costs of achieving the planning consent.

Once planning consent is granted, bidding for the sites will begin. This is likely to be in the first quarter of next year.

In total, the UK aims to boost its wind power generating capacity to 25 gigawatts, fifty times the current production level.

Most environmental groups have welcomed the plans, and have called upon the government to abandon its nuclear programme in favour of renewables.

However, some campaigners are concerned about the potential damage to wildlife in Britain’s seas.