DECC defers cuts to onshore wind subsidies

摘要

Subsidies for new onshore wind projects under the Renewables Obligation (RO) will not drop substantially until at least 2014, the energy and climate department (DECC) announced in July. The decision followed weeks of speculation that the current subsidy level would be cut by 25% due to pressure from the Treasury to cut costs (ENDS Report 450, p 5). In the end, it has only been cut by 10%. However, a call for evidence on onshore wind costs will be issued in September. This is expected to lead to another formal review of the level next year, which could mean further cuts in April 2014. DECC insists it will protect projects "where significant financial commitments had been made" from any further cuts. However, developers may need to have actually ordered turbines to be spared.