The government has not officially abandoned its renewable-energy targets, but few think that plans for 8, 000 offshore wind turbines by 2020 stand a chance of being realised.

ECONOMIST: A looming electricity crunch could trip up a new government

But the minister, a longstanding critic of wind farms, told reporters on Wednesday morning "I stand by what I said" in the interviews.

BBC: Wind farms: Row after minister says UK has 'enough'

Stand up, Caleb, so we can see you. (Applause.) Caleb built a wind turbine that's small and fast enough to be installed on your roof or in your front yard.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama Speaks at the 2013 White House Science Fair