Prospective Tory MPs sceptical over case for wind energy

A new survey of 101 prospective parliamentary candidates (PPCs) has revealed a deep split in the three main parties' attitude towards onshore win farm developments, revealing that many of the potential new in take of Conservative MPs remain deeply sceptical about the case for onshore wind farms.

The survey, which was undertaken by polling firm Comcast on behalf of trade association RenewableUK, found that just over half of prospective MPs "agree strongly" that "expansion of onshore wind is essential if the UK is to deliver on its renewable energy targets".

The relatively low level support amongst PPCs for onshore wind farms was attributed to the fact that only seven per cent of Conservative candidates supported the statement, compared to 44 per cent of Labour candidates and 71 per cent of Lib Dems.

Adam Bell, campaign coordinator for Embrace My Planet, a new campaign backed by RenewableUK and designed to promote the case for onshore wind farms, said the survey targeted candidates in winnable seats and as a result 76 Tory candidates were polled, compared to 18 Labour PPCs and just seven Lib Dems.

However, the survey revealed decidedly lukewarm support for onshore wind farms amongst Conservative PPCs. For example, 54 per cent disagreed that an expansion of onshore wind is necessary to meet renewable energy targets, while 14 per cent disagreed with plans for the UK to retain the current target to generate 15 per cent of energy from renewable sources by 2020.

Similarly, only 22 per cent of Conservative PPCs strongly agreed with the statement that "investment in new electricity grid infrastructure, renewable generation (including wind farms) and other forms of generating capacity is a top priority over the next 20 years", while 30 per cent disagreed that reforms to the planning systems should be undertaken in order to ensure large energy infrastructure projects progress quickly.

The poll will further fuel fears within the renewable energy industry that many prospective Tory MPs are ill disposed towards low carbon industries in general, and wind farms in particular. Concerns that have mounted since Conservative central office revealed a Conservative government would reform the current renewable energy subsidy system.

According to an oft-cited poll of 250 prospective Conservative candidates undertaken earlier this year by the Conservativehome blog which found that climate change was bottom of their list of priorities.

The Party has also attempted to distance itself from comments made by shadow business secretary Ken Clarke last year in which he expressed opposition to onshore wind farms.

The Conservative Manifesto released this earlier this week attempted to alleviate these fears, confirming that a Tory government would continue to support the UK's renewable energy targets.

Bell said the new Embrace My Planet campaign would attempt to highlight to prospective MPs from all parties that there is widespread public support for onshore wind farms.

"This poll suggests that there is a certain amount of disconnect between the voters and political candidates," he said. "Year after year, independent polls suggest that over 80 per cent of the people in this country support further deployment of wind energy. Politicians need to be told that NIMBYs don't represent how British people actually think."