Government refuses to assess suitability of Dungeness for renewables

The Labour Government has now refused to assess the suitability of Dungeness and vicinity for new renewable energy projects, following its earlier decision not to build a new nuclear power station on the site.

Nick Perry, the Lib Dem parliamentary candidate for Hastings & Rye, had written to Ed Miliband MP the Secretary of State for Energy & Climate Change, requesting a capacity survey into the possibility of developing new renewable energy projects on the site.

When the Labour Minister did not reply, he asked the Lib Dem Shadow for Energy & Climate Change – Simon Hughes MP – to ask questions in the House of Commons.

The Labour Government has now gone on the record to say that the Department for Energy & Climate Change ‘has not made any assessment of the potential for renewable energy generation at, or in the vicinity of, the site of the Dungeness nuclear power station. It is for the market to bring forward applications for potential sites for renewable energy projects. These are then considered by the relevant planning authority on a case-by-case basis.’

Speaking to the Rye Observer after learning of the decision, Mr Perry said,

“I am livid that the Government has refused to undertake a capacity survey to assess the possibilities of the Dungeness site, and the surrounding area, in respect of renewables. This is another example of where Labour talks one way, and walks another. Whilst my party opposes nuclear, we are absolutely committed to providing new jobs in the energy industry for local people.

“Our area, with its potential for marine and wind energy in particular, should be being assisted by the Government, not sold down the river.

“I have said before and I’ll say it again… Mr Miliband is obviously too busy writing Labour’s election manifesto to be bothered about Ryers.”