THE planned explosion in the number of giant wind turbines in North Wales could prompt a public backlash against efforts to save the environment, MPs warn today. The use of electricity from on-shore windfarms is due to jump from 0.4% of the UK national grid to 3% during the next five years. But MPs on the powerful Public Accounts Committee today claim growing numbers of turbines could enrage members of the public and turn them off the idea of renewable energy. In contrast, they say offshore windpower was less "en-vironmentally intrusive". Their report states: "These (windfarm) sites are often unpopular with local communities and the likely rapid expansion of onshore wind power in the next five years could create a public reaction against renewable energy. "Wind power is much less environmentally intrusive when sited off shore. "The department (of environment) should factor this environmental advantage when considering the relative costs and benefits of onshore and offshore windpower and the level of financial support provided to each." Proposals for more wind farms were outlined in the Assembly's new policy guidelines for local authorities, Tan 8. It established seven strategic sites for large-scale windfarms across Wales, almost doubling the existing 400 turbines. Areas earmarked for the next generation of projects include the Clocaenog Forest in Denbighshire; north of Carno and south of Newtown, Powys; and Nant- y- Moch, near Machnylleth. Assembly Environment minister Carwyn Jones said the plans would pave the way for Wales to hit its 10% renewable energy target by 2010. Under the government's socalled renewables obligation, electricity suppliers have to source a growing amount of power from renewable energy. But today's report says the use of green energy will lead to a hike in energy bills. By 2010, the renewables obligation will have increased bills by on average 5.7% - equivalent to £10 to £12 a year. | 
