Friendly renewables policy praised

In direct comparison to the Governments conclusions of their Energy Review, Friends of the Earth have praised the publication of the Scottish Executive's new draft Planning Policy on Renewable Energy. The Policy makes proposals for:

• new housing and other developments to generate 10% of their energy on site from renewable sources;
• local authorities to designate areas which are suitable for wind farm applications;
• greater account to be taken of issues like natural heritage and the impacts of wind farms on communities;
• local authorities to support a diverse range of renewable energy technologies, including their development and growth.

Duncan McLaren of Friends of the Earth Scotland, said "this guidance emphasises that the 40% target for renewable electricity can be achieved early, and indeed exceeded. This further demonstrates that nuclear power is not needed in Scotland to maintain our energy security."

This Scottish Executive consultation will run until 6 October 2006.