The signatory parties have agreed to explore innovative technological solutions to Air Defence and Air Traffic radar, as well as radar absorbent wind turbine technology; shorten pre-planning times by introducing a web-based screening tool for the early stage of planning; establish a new Aviation Management Board which reports directly to Ministers; and work with industry to establish financial and staffing resources dedicated to finding solutions

Business Secretary John Hutton said, 'Accelerating the deployment of renewables is crucial in the fight against climate change and will increase the amount of energy the UK produces on its own shores.

'This agreement represents real progress towards removing a barrier to the expansion of wind power, while ensuring air safety and national security. This will lead to faster consenting decisions and help us meet our challenging renewable energy targets.'

Defence Minister Derek Twigg added, 'This MoU reflects the proactive stance that the MoD is taking to progress and resolve the complexities behind wind farm projects, whilst ensuring that the nation's air safety and national security needs are not compromised. The agreement identifies future work streams that need to be undertaken in a collaborative manner across Government and Industry.'

Aviation Minister Jim Fitzpatrick said, 'It's essential that wind turbines do not impact on airspace safety, efficiency and capacity. This agreement is good news for the aviation industry because it recognises those concerns. It also shows the commitment of all parties to work together to develop appropriate and equitable solutions that will allow aviation and renewable energy to benefit.

NATS Operations Director Ian Hall concurred, saying, 'NATS supports most wind farm projects and we are already working with developers to find a strategic solution to cases where we have safety concerns, we welcome this agreement as a framework to meet targets for wind power generation whilst maintaining the safety of aircraft and passengers.'

In addition, BERR and Ofgem published the next consultation document on the new offshore electricity transmission regime. This is a further step forward in the expansion of renewable energy to offshore wind farms. The consultation seeks views on the detailed changes needed to license the offshore grid.