Representatives of the UK's recreational water users Surfers Against Sewage have cautiously welcomed today's announcement by the UK Government concerning the expansion of offshore wind energy generation around the nations coastline.

Whilst recognising that a move away from more polluting forms of energy generation, towards cleaner, greener energy is a positive, the surfers are keen to ensure that the interests of the UK's millions of recreational water users are not forgotten as the move towards offshore wind energy gets underway.

The Government have indicated that proposed wind farm projects could make up over half of the 10% renewable energy target they have to meet by 2010, suggesting that 4 million homes could be powered by wind by the same date. It's estimated that the amount of power would be equivalent to that generated by six nuclear power stations.

Richard Hardy, SAS:
"As surfers we're well aware of the power locked up in our oceans and the winds that generate the swells. We've also experienced first hand the down side of polluting energy generation. However, just as our coastal waters are home to birds and wildlife, so they are the playground for millions of recreational water users. Therefore, whilst SAS support the overall move to tap into cleaner, greener energy sources, we must ask for consideration of water user concerns, particularly at an individual project level".

SAS are urging the UK Government to ensure that other offshore energy generation options are fully explored, as soon as possible. Wind energy is one possible solution, but there are others such as tidal energy that could contribute to targets being met. It won't be until schemes are up and running that the best all round solution is found.

Local surfers in the Welsh village of Porthcawl have recently started an independent campaign against the proposed offshore windfarm in the area. The Royal Yachting Association have expressed concerns about exclusion zones around offshore wind farm sites.

For further details contact Richard or Vicky at Surfers Against Sewage 0845 458 3001.

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