The Labour Party has reiterated its pledge to double onshore and offshore wind capacity in the UK as Keir Starmer mapped out his plan to freeze energy bills today.
Labour said it would introduce a 30GW and 40GW by 2030 target for onshore wind and solar respectively, as well as 60GW of offshore wind and 15GW of floating wind by 2035.
The measures, which also include an end to the ban on new-build onshore wind farms in England, were previously announced in a five-point plan for energy security in March.
The renewed pledge in Labour’s Energy Bills Plan briefing paper came as the Party said it would prevent the energy price cap rising through the winter, paid for by an extra tax from oil and gas giants who are making “eye-watering profits”.
The Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA) welcomed Labour’s announcements and urged the Conservative Party to “recommit” to their own British Energy Security Strategy.
Mark Sommerfeld, Head of Power and Flexibility at the REA, said Labour recognised the need for renewables to bring down energy bills and deliver energy security.
“Labour must now set out what mechanisms they would use to see these targets met. They must also go further to ensure the delivery of a diverse and flexible energy system, with commitments to other low carbon technologies crucial to energy security, including bioenergy, geothermal and energy storage.
“Labour’s announcements also bring into sharp contrast recent statements from the Conservative leadership candidates, who have questioned the role of renewables, even though they are the cheapest forms of generation. Despite being published only six months ago, the Government must recommit itself to its own ambitious renewable targets as set out in the British Energy Security Strategy.
“The REA, its members, and the industry as a whole stand ready to work alongside any Government to ensure these targets are delivered so that energy bills are taken under control.”