Dutch Minister Confirms Cut Offshore Wind Energy Spendings

Maxime Verhagen, Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs, including energy, confirms the Dutch government has cut investments in offshore wind energy. He warns that in his opinion “offshore wind remains a very uncompetitive option.”

The Minister affirms the Dutch government’s commitment to the European renewables targets for 2020. “To meet these targets the government will stimulate the most cost-effective renewable energy mix”, he says.

“We are facing one of the worst financial crises in history. This means budget cutbacks in many areas deemed important by taxpayers. In the light of this situation the Dutch government has committed to the European renewables targets for 2020, but has chosen to reach those goals in the least costly way possible. Offshore wind remains a very expensive option in the near future.

The Dutch government is willing to invest in innovation to bring down the costs of offshore wind energy, but prices must come down considerably before large scale investments can again be supported” he mentioned to the EWEA organisation.

[mappress]

Offshore Nieuws Staff , November 30, 2011