EU targets May Push UK to Build Wind Turbines

The British coastline may experience a dramatic increase in wind farms and tidal energy plants as the Government endeavours to meet a European target for renewable energy. There is likely to be a great deal of pressure to pass plans quickly for wind turbines and the Severn barrage if the EU raises its goals for British renewable energy targets to 15%.  The UK currently gets 2% of its energy from renewable sources.
The EU package, which is set to be published on Wednesday, is also expected to raise the percentage in a binding target to 10 per cent of all fuel to come from biofuel.  This will come despite the warning today from MPs about its drawbacks.
Green advocates stated that although the UK has tooted its environmental credentials for years, it has few projects actually in place which would meet the goals proposed by the EU.  One project that has received a great deal of press is the Severn barrage, however, environmentalists claim that the project would be harmful to the surrounding ecosystems.  Other analysts believe the UK coastal areas could be transformed by as many as 7,000 new wind turbines.
The EU claims that its projected goals will cost no more than 0.5 percent of GDP, in Britain’s case a total of £7 billion.  Tony Blair was responsible for signing Britain to the target of 20 per cent renewable energy across the 27 member EU.