• Onshore wind
• Offshore wind
• Wave & tidal
• Small wind systems
• Wales
• Wind farms in the UK
• Health & Safety
• Events
• Publications
• Latest news
• Jobs
• Membership
• Company Directory
• Members Area

About BWEA

Introducing Wind Power

Man has harnessed the power of the wind since the earliest times. Today, modern wind turbines harness this power in the production of clean and green electricity, with no waste products or harmful emissions, from a fuel that will never run out.

We live in an age where we have a greater understanding that the effects of the way we generate our electricity represents a clear and present threat to our environment and to us. We''re also at the point in history where we see ourselves moving from the luxury of having almost too much energy to one in which we are less certain about our future sources. Wind power offers a solution to both.

Wind power in the UK generates electricity at some of the lowest prices in Europe, bringing with it many benefits, both environmental and economic. Every unit produced by a wind turbine displaces one that would otherwise be generated from fossil fuels, preventing the emission of several greenhouse gases. Wind turbines in the UK currently prevent the emission of over a million tonnes of carbon dioxide while providing sufficient electricity to meet the needs of well over a third of a million households each year.

The most advanced of the renewable technologies, the role of wind power has been recognised in the UK Government's new energy policy. Targets have been set for 10% of the UK''s electricity supply in 2010 to be met by renewably-generated electricity with an aspiration to broadly double this by 2020. Wind energy from deployment both on and offshore has been identified as the most likely 'largest contributors to the renewables generation mix in 2010', repeated for the 2020 20% scenario.

A key component of Government's strategy in the move to a low carbon economy, wind power offers the opportunity to create a new industry for the UK. The fastest growing energy source worldwide for seven consecutive years, the power of the wind and the benefits this dynamic industry brings are coming home to the UK, the windiest country in Europe.

Introducing Marine Renewables

In the coming decades renewable energy's share of UK generation will rise rapidly, increasing the need for a portfolio of renewable energy technologies to provide electricity alongside wind. Marine renewable technologies are at the same stage wind was 10-15 years ago, and much of our membership have interests in both sectors. For these reasons BWEA has expanded its mission to champion wave and tidal energy and use its experience to guide them along the same path to commercialisation.

The UK has the best wave and tidal resource in Europe, an asset that has the potential to provide a considerable proportion of the UK power market in years to come. Coupled with this is a strong history of innovation that has produced some of the leading marine energy devices in the world today. These devices face a number of challenges before they can meet their potential and reach large-scale commercialisation ahead of their global competition, but the rewards will be great.

Supporting innovation early is the key to developing a globally competitive manufacturing industry in renewable energy, as Denmark and Germany have learnt from their experiences of wind energy. The UK is now fully committed to developing the next generation of commercial renewable energy technologies in the emerging wave and tidal energy market.

Introducing BWEA

BWEA is at the heart of the wind energy industry in the UK. Established in 1978, BWEA is now the largest renewable energy body in the UK, representing more than 310 companies active in the sector.

Members of BWEA range from the largest international corporations to members of the public, united in a commitment to seeing the UK's vast wind resource better harnessed in the production of electricity. Membership interests range across the entire industry from wind energy research, consultancy and manufacture to financing and insurance, development, operation and associated services.

BWEA takes an active interest in all issues affecting the industry from financing, planning and electrical infrastructure to winning 'hearts and minds' and undertakes political lobbying and stakeholder engagement on behalf of its members.

BWEA co-ordinates statistics and intelligence on every aspect of wind energy in the UK, working closely with experts in member companies to provide the highest levels of information.

BWEA represents industry at home and abroad, to Government, regional bodies and local authorities throughout the UK, to the business community, the media and the public. Information provided by the Association on behalf of the industry is made freely available through its award winning website www.bwea.com.

The UK is now identified as the most attractive market for wind energy, coming top of global rankings, ahead of the US, Germany and Spain. BWEA is your introduction to the world's best market for wind power.

BWEA activities

To find out about BWEA activity over the last year, have a look at our 2005 Annual Review.