Much interest in the comments to the Johnny Ball thread, with reader "Mac" noting the claim of Transport Secretary Philip Hammond that offonshore wind generation does not require subsidy. This is, ahem, not exactly true, as the following excerpts from Hansard makes clear:
Onshore Wind Farms
7. Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con): Whether historical wind measurements are taken into account in determining 'subsidy allocation for onshore wind farms'. [15500]
The Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change (Charles Hendry): Onshore wind farms can claim one renewables obligation certificate (ROC) for each megawatt-hour of electricity actually generated, which focuses investment in those areas where the wind resource is strongest. It is therefore in the developers' direct interest to study very carefully the historical wind measurements.
Andrew Bridgen: As my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, Leicestershire is one of the most inland and least windy counties in England. Will he please assure me that 'subsidies for wind farms' will only be allocated in areas that can demonstrate that the amount of wind is sustainable and economically viable?
Charles Hendry: I can absolutely assure my hon. Friend that the way the ROC system works ensures that the 'greatest incentive' is there to develop wind projects where the wind resource is strongest. We are absolutely committed, too, to the principle of localism for those below 50 MW and for local communities to be directly involved in these decisions and to receive a more direct benefit than was the case under the previous Government.
It appears then, that Mr Hammond was 100%, ahem, mistaken. Will he apologise? Or even issue a correction? We're not holding our breath here.