Increased use of wind farms ‘could push up generating costs’

The increased development of wind farms could increase electricity generating costs by between 15% and 25%, according to a report published today by the ESB National Grid.

The report said that complying with an EU target of having 15% of electricity generated by wind farms could push up costs by around €200m.

It said the higher costs would arise because fossil-fuel burning plans would have to back up wind generation when wind power output drops.