Wind power is crucial to future energy needs

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 4th Apr 2006

"Wind energy is a tried and tested technology".

Wind energy remains on course to deliver about 5 per cent of Britain's electricity by 2010 despite controversies over the siting of some on-shore wind farms, according to Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary, Chris Huhne MP.

Speaking today at the BWEA conference in London, Mr Huhne said:

"Wind energy is one of the cheapest of the renewable energy technologies. It is a tried and tested technology where costs are coming down in line with risks.

"Clearly, there has been local opposition to particular schemes which is not likely to disappear. However, large numbers of schemes are going ahead and will make a growing contribution to our energy needs".