Scale back wind, build more nuclear, says CBI

The CBI has called on the government to scale back its wind power plans in favour of a bigger role for nuclear- and coal-powered energy.

In a report published today, Decision Time, the confederation described the government target of providing 32% of energy from renewables as "overambitious" and said it should be scaled back to 25%. 

John Cridland, deputy director general of the CBI, warned of putting "too many energy eggs in one basket".

"By moving government policy in a different direction we can achieve a good balance of wind, nuclear, gas and clean coal", he added.

"We urgently need the national planning statements needed to build new nuclear plants."

Meanwhile, another report published today, from the British Wind Energy Association, claims that only half of England's onshore targets have been met.

In the next few days, the government is due to publish an energy white white paper, plus a renewable energy strategy and low-carbon industrial strategy.