Norman Lamb Calls on Government to Protect Wind Farms and Aid Renewable Energy

12.00.00am GMT Mon 17th Nov 2008

Norman Lamb MP has called on the Government to work to protect off shore wind farms in the wake of news that the Sheringham Shoal Project is under threat due to a lack of funding. "As part of out future energy mix, we have got to have a proportion from renewable energy. We have very real concerns about energy security with nuclear power stations reaching the end of their lives and with us relying more and more on Russia. It's really important that the finance is sorted out so these projects can go ahead." said Norman Lamb.

The news that the Sheringham Shoal Off Shore wind farm program is under threat has caused much concern in the community and is indicative of the current financial climate according to Norman Lamb MP, "It is worrying, disturbing news. It's yet another impact of the global financial crisis. This particular project is important to the local economy. [Scira] were telling me they were planning to have a base in the Wells-Fakenham area. There would be a boast at Wells harbour going out to service the wind farm - this is new industry for north Norfolk. There are jobs there."

"It is too early to judge whether there are specific measures the government can take, but they have got to make an assessment of the situation pretty quickly and take what steps are necessary to ensure that this investment programme does take place." pleaded Norman Lamb.

If built it is estimated that the windfarm would have the capacity to provide energy for 220,000 homes and would be sustainable for 40 years.