Shell abandons huge wind power project

By Thomas Lifson

Royal Dutch Shell is abandoning plans for a billion dollar-plus wind power project in the UK. The Times of London reports:

Shell, Danish firm Dong Energy and Scottish Power have cancelled the £800m Cirrus Array project off the northwest coast after five years and millions of pounds in investment.

The consortium blamed Ministry of Defence concerns over radar interference from turbines.

There may well be serious concerns over this interference, but the Times also notes:

Shell said: "The focus for new projects will be in North America where we can benefit from the availability of undeveloped wind resources to deliver wind energy at what we expect to be a competitive cost."

Last month BP also moved its wind-energy focus to America, citing generous subsidies and a less-onerous planning process. [emphasis added]

Hat tip: Bryan Demko