Fears for Humber as wind farm axed

German energy giant RWE npower said it will not be proceeding with plans to build a massive offshore wind farm in the Bristol Channel.

Industry experts sought to play down fears that the decision could have grave implications for East Yorkshire, which is hoping to enjoy a major economic boon from the development of two other large offshore wind farms off its own coastline over the next decade.

RWE blamed “technical challenges” specific to the local area for its decision, and said “market conditions” were not right to proceed with the 240-turbine project.

But Labour’s Shadow energy minister Julie Elliott said the anti-green rhetoric from parts of the Government is “scaring away” investors.

“David Cameron’s failure to support clean energy is putting vital new investment at risk,” she said.

“The Government’s attacks on green energy are scaring away firms that want to invest and create jobs in Britain.”

Up to 10,000 jobs are expected to be created in the Humber region and across Yorkshire if plans for two even larger offshire wind farms out in the North Sea, at Hornsea and Dogger Bank, proceed as planned.

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