UK Relies on Wind Power Expansion to Reach Energy Targets

UK Prime Minister Gordon BrownGordon Brown is investing a 100 billion Pounds Sterling in thousands of wind turbines to be constructed across his country. He is hoping this will be a fundamental step towards serving 15% of the national energy demand through renewables by 2020. Brown describes it as the most dramatic change in national energy policy since the dawn of nuclear energy.

The plan currently includes some 4,000 onshore and 3,000 offshore turbines. While Brown accepts that adding such structures will disrupt the landscape, he is hoping the creation of 160,000 new jobs will compensate for the losses.

One of the major concerns surrounding Britain's renewable energy programs is the increased electricity bills. It is estimated that households can expect to foot a 30% higher bill to set off the additional costs involved in generating energy in an environmentally friendly manner.

Critics also point out that this is the latest in a series of bold announcements from the British government to reduce carbon emissions. But there is little evidence at this point that projects will produce results as quickly as claimed.