In a speech that industry sources told Recharge had failed to reassure turbine manufacturers considering major investments in the UK, Davey made it clear that wind was in a race to prove itself against other energy technologies.

Davey said: “I really don’t know what our overall energy mix will look like in a decade’s time – given the huge uncertainties.

“And it's not for government to decide what blend of energy technologies will keep the lights on – and the air clean – in 10, 20 or 30 years’ time,” he told the Global Offshore Wind 2012 event in London.

Davey