local authorities
meeting sustainable
development targets
Wind energy projects can be a real boost for local development. Numerous opinion polls have shown that wind energy is one of the most popular of the energy technologies. In fact eight out of ten people are in favour of wind energy and less than one in ten against it. Surveys of those living close to existing wind farms show that their support for wind energy actually increased after the wind farm was built.1
The government guidance for Local Authorities on preparing Community Strategies states that they should "...take account of the ways in which national and global concerns - such as the mitigation of climate change ... can be addressed through local action."2 Wind energy projects are a clear way for Local Authorities to show their commitment to the national aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
As well as involvement in promoting sustainable development, wind energy projects are often associated with additional benefits for the local community.
1. British Wind Energy Association
www.bwea.com
2. Office of the Deputy Prime Minister - Preparing Community Strategies
Government Guidance to Local Authorities
www.local-regions.odpm.gov.uk/pcs/guidance/01.htm