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What happened in 2006...

The Year of the Renewables Revolution Thursday 21 December 2006
Wind energy in the UK has broken all records in 2006, making this the most productive and successful year for the sector since the country’s first commercial wind farm started generating 15 years ago. A record breaking 630 new megawatts (MW) of wind energy have already been commissioned in 2006: an increase of 50% on performance of 2005, which in turn saw a 100% increase on capacity commissioned in 2004.

The countdown has now begun to the UK’s second gigawatt of installed capacity – only 18 months after commissioning its first - firmly positioning the wind industry as a key player in the UK energy market and the UK wind industry in the top ten players globally.

Click here to read in full ...

BWEA launches essential guide on micro wind turbine installations Thursday 21 December 2006

BWEA has launched new guidance on installing small wind turbines, aimed at potential consumers from the domestic, public and business sector. The guide contains information on choosing and siting a small wind system, electricity savings, payback times, grant funding and how to contact manufacturers.

Introducing the new guide, Chris Tomlinson, BWEA’s Director of Operations said:

“This document is an essential tool which we believe will help householders and organisations understand the key issues relevant to small wind systems to help customers make informed decisions about potential purchases. BWEA would like to stress that this is intended as a preliminary guide and should be supported by further information from turbine manufacturers”

Read more ...

Monday 18 December 2006

Real Power is the quarterly newsletter from BWEA, aimed at members, stakeholders and anyone with an interest in the progress of the wind industry in the UK.

This bumper issue includes BWEA's analysis of the recently published Stern Review, together with key activities and achievements in all the work areas of the Association in 2006: onshore, offshore, marine, small wind, grid & technical, including Health and Safety, along with a round up of BWEA events and, of course, all the usual news and updates.

2006 has been a record year of growth for the UK wind industry, and with even more to come in 2007, BWEA will continue to play to its existing strengths in representing the UK wind, wave and tidal industries, key technologies in delivering the UK's renewables revolution.

Click here to read the latest issue of Real Power online today

UK offshore renewables powerhouse Monday 18 December 2006
BWEA has warmly welcomed today’s consent for two new offshore wind farms by Trade and Industry Secretary Alistair Darling and Secretary of State for the Environment David Miliband. The two projects, London Array and Thanet, are the first consents to be awarded in the UK’s second phase of development offshore.

BWEA Chief Executive Maria McCaffery MBE said:

“BWEA is delighted by the first consents for the second phase of the UK’s world-leading offshore programme. The significance of these decisions is far greater than the projects themselves, although they will bring many notable benefits to the UK in terms of clean carbon free generation.

Far more important is the clear signal from the UK to the rest of the world that this country is open for business for offshore wind and we look forward to more consents in the near future.”

Climate change at heart of planning system Thursday 14 December 2006
BWEA has warmly welcome the publication of a supplement to PPS1 which will enable the planning system to take a more active role in tackling climate change.

Welcoming the new draft planning policy statement, Chris Tomlinson, BWEA’s Director of Operations, said:

“This important document has been keenly awaited and it is now imperative that its message is quickly communicated to planning authorities, and climate change is truly placed at the heart of the planning system. Urgent action and decisions to reflect the scale and urgency of the climate change challenge are needed now, and the planning system has the potential to deliver a range of vital measures, including renewable energy projects."

Read BWEA's response in full ...

BWEA briefing on UK wind capacity factors Wednesday 13 December 2006
BWEA has published an overview of the calculations behind and implications of capacity factors in the UK wind industry in order to bring some much-needed perspective to what can be a complicated issue. The UK has one of the best wind regimes in the world and has considerably higher capacity factors than many of the European countries where wind already makes a significant contribution to electricity supplies.

As the UK approaches the landmark of 2 gigawatts of installed wind power plant, the most important consideration is that this is a carbon-free source of generation which is entirely sustainable, contributes significantly to the UK's energy security and Government targets for renewables, and is leading the way in establishing a long-term market for the other renewable technologies to enter in due course.

Read the briefing ...

Planning reform provides key to wind energy delivery Tuesday 5 December 2006
BWEA has welcomed the findings and recommendations of the Barker Review, which put sustainability right at the heart of the planning system, identifying planning as playing a vital role in the mitigation and adaptation to climate change.

Chris Tomlinson, BWEA Director of Operations, stated:

"This is a good day for planning and climate change in the UK. BWEA welcomes the recognition given to the importance of wind energy developments and the wider sustainability and climate change agenda. With a potential 5% of the UK’s electricity supplies currently held up in the planning system from onshore wind projects alone, it is high time for urgent action on planning reforms to reflect the scale and urgency of the climate change challenge. In response to this, it is encouraging to see a range of positive initiatives set out in the Review, many of which BWEA have been campaigning for over recent months.”

BWEA has been calling for action in a number of areas, which were identified in the Review:

a rapid increase in the turnaround of planning decisions
an increase in planning resources to reflect changing priorities
ring-fencing business rates for local communities
permitted development rights for micro-wind installations.

Click here for more ...

UK’s leading renewable energy associations to stay separate Friday 17 November 2006
Following extensive discussions, it has been decided that the UK’s leading renewable energy associations – the British Wind Energy Association and the Renewable Energy Association – will not merge at the present time, although will conitnue to collaborate on common policy.

BWEA Chief Executive Maria McCaffery MBE commented:

“It has become increasingly clear that the practical and administrative requirements of a merger would distract us from the key issues facing the renewables industry at this crucial period in delivering the Government’s 2010 target and driving forward a strong UK market for future wind and marine developments."

Read full story...

Welcome first step in resolving planning delays Thursday 9 November 2006
A new consultation launched today by Alistair Darling, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, has been warmly welcomed by BWEA. New rules will look at streamlining the planning system and reducing delays, costs and uncertainty which can hold back major projects.

Commenting on today’s news, BWEA’s Director of Operations Chris Tomlinson said:

“This is a very welcome first step in what has become an issue of increasing concern for the sector. While we are pleased to see this progress on the inquiries process, this does need to be matched by complementary measures to speed up decision making at both local and section 36 level.”

2006 has been another record breaking year for the onshore wind sector, but this rapid progress – vital in delivering on Government’s targets for renewables – could grind to a halt if a consistent level of planning decisions cannot be maintained at the local level. Targets designed to meet 10% of our electricity from renewable energy sources must be accompanied by targets for timely decision-making: one is dependent on the other.”

Read full story ....

Stern Review emphasises urgency of action on climate change Monday 30 October 2006
BWEA has warmly welcomed the Stern Review’s message that tackling climate change is vital for the health of the world economy. In particular, BWEA strongly agrees with Sir Nicholas Stern’s conclusion that the cost of acting now is far smaller than the possible economic impact of ‘business as usual’.

Click here for more details...

BWEA28 - BWEA's biggest event Monday 16 October 2006
The biggest ever conference and exhibition in the UK organised by BWEA, attracted over 2000 people to the SECC in Glasgow, 10-12 October, from conference delegates, exhibition staff and visitors, and all the leading players in the wind, wave and tidal sectors.

Click here for more details ...

A strong wind of support in Glasgow Tuesday 10 October 2006
The first day of the UK wind, wave and tidal industry annual conference, BWEA28, got off to a flying start with keynote speakers delighting the 1200 strong gathering with their cross-party consensus on the need to move forward rapidly on onshore wind.

ScottishPower Chief Executive Philip Bowman was joined on the platform by Deputy First Minister Nicol Stephen MSP, Conservative Shadow Energy Minister Charles Hendry MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary Chris Huhne and Richard Lochhead, SNP spokesman on Environment and Energy, under a common theme of the urgency of the need to invest now in the energy infrastructure which will secure our planet's future.

Click here for more details ...

Industry trade bodies promise engagement to get policy right Monday 9 October 2006
The British Wind Energy Association and the Renewable Energy Association will be looking forward to working with the Government on its proposed reforms of the Renewables Obligation. A consultation period has now opened on the package of redistribution of RO revenues and increases in the levels of the Obligation after 2015. The framework put forward by the Department of Trade and Industry is still in a formative stage, and strong engagement by BWEA and REA should result in proposals that are welcomed by the whole renewable sector.

Click here for more details ...

RealPower Wednesday 4 October 2006

Real Power is the quarterly newsletter from BWEA, aimed at members, stakeholders and anyone with an interest in the progress of the wind industry in the UK.

Real Power 07 is a conference special edition, which includes interviews with key speakers and a glance at the programme and exhibition, along with the usual news and updates.

Click here to read the latest issue of Real Power online today

Welcome boost for public sector renewables development Wednesday 27 September 2006
Today's announced of a new initiative to develop renewable energy projects with local authorities, health trusts and other public sector bodies has been welcomed by BWEA. The Carbon Trust's ‘Partnership for Renewables’ (PfR), backed with £10 million funding from Defra, will partner with private sector organisations to plan, develop, construct and operate wind and other renewable energy projects on public sector land, potnetially realising 500 MW over the next five years.

BWEA Chief Executive Maria McCaffery MBE added her welcome to the announcement, saying:

“This is will be welcome news to our members working in onshore wind who are leading the way in delivering the Government targets for renewable energy by 2010. There are many good examples of wind energy already developed on public sector land, at schools, hospitals and council buildings, and Partnerships for Renewables, aided by Defra’s support, will catalyse further development of this exciting new sector.”

Click here for more details ...

Have you secured your place at the UK's leading renewable energy event? Monday 25 September 2006
BWEA, the UK’s leading renewable energy trade association, will host its 28th annual event at the SECC in Glasgow on 10-12 October, attracting all leading players in the thriving wind, wave and tidal energy sectors to focus on the remaining barriers to renewable energy deployment and the opportunities for UK business once those barriers are removed.

With over 1,000 delegates anticipated to attend, and 120 companies on display in the accompanying exhibition, this is a great opportunity to experience first hand the cutting edge of the UK's renewable revolution.

BWEA CEO Maria McCaffery has issued a personal welcome to those congregating in Glasgow:

“Wind, wave and tidal stream technologies are at the forefront of a new industrial revolution in the UK, which will generate secure and clean electricity to meet our country’s growing energy needs and bring countless economic opportunities in its wake.

The leading players in this exciting sector will be meeting at the industry’s annual conference and exhibition in Glasgow. We are confidently expecting this event to attract more than a thousand delegates, and I look forward to welcoming them and you to the renewable event of the year.”

Full conference details including the conference programme, list of companies exhibiting and online registration can be found at www.bwea.com/28

Wind power key to fight climate change Wednesday 20 September 2006
The development of wind power is key in the fight against dangerous climate change, concludes ‘Global Wind Energy Outlook 2006’, a new report launched by the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) and Greenpeace International. The report examines the future potential for wind power up to the year 2050 and is an industry blueprint that explains how wind power could supply 34% of the world’s electricity by 2050 and 16.5% by 2020. Most importantly, wind power would save 1.5 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2020.

“Wind energy is the most attractive solution to the world’s energy challenges. It is clean and fuel-free. Moreover, wind is indigenous and enough wind blows across the globe to cope with the ever increasing electricity demand. This report demonstrates that wind technology is not a dream for the future – it is real, it is mature and it can be deployed on a large scale,” said Arthouros Zervos, GWEC’s Chairman. “The political choices of the coming years will determine the world’s environmental and economic situation for many decades to come.”

The full report is available to download from http://www.gwec.net/uploads/media/Global_Wind_Energy_Outlook_2006.pdf

Wind power ready to meet looming energy gap Tuesday 5 September 2006
A new report shows that many forecasts have considerably overestimated global reserves of oil and gas, finding that a "serious shortfall between demand and supply could become evident soon after 2010" but that wind power as a safe, carbon-neutral, economic and indigenous energy resource is the best choice to fill the electrcity generation gap.

According to Dr Ian Mays, Managing Director of the RES Group, “Fossil fuels cannot sustain our expected growth in energy demand and low energy prices are gone forever. Wind power is very much ready to keep the lights on and fill the gap. Wind power technologies are working successfully all over the world and with foresight and appropriate policy frameworks there is enough resource to roll out wind power on a huge-scale. Wind is a sustainable, free resource and the wind energy technology is cost effective, reliable, clean and green – so what are we waiting for?”

The full report is available to download from http://www.gwec.net/uploads/media/RESGWEC-_Plugging_the_Gap_report_01.09.06.pdf

The power of the wind: a powerful attraction Tuesday 29 August 2006
Over ten thousand people flocked to their local wind farm this August Bank Holiday to experience the real power of wind energy and to enjoy a host of free activities for the family. The ‘Wind Weekend’ event encouraged people to visit one of the flagship wind farms opening across the UK as part of a national celebration of wind energy.

At wind farms in Scotland, demand was so great that extra buses had to be laid on to cope with the huge numbers of visitors. In England meanwhile, queues formed outside the Delabole wind farm in Cornwall and close on three thousand people joined in the fun which lasted well into the evening with live bands and a colourful display of illuminated turbines.

BWEA CEO Maria McCaffery said: “The continuing success of the Wind Weekend initiative has placed this event firmly on the calendar. We are delighted to see greater levels of support for this fantastic energy form every year and most grateful to those members of the association who have supported us by opening their farms and accommodating the general public.”

Click here for the full story

A strong wind in the right direction Tuesday 22 August 2006
The continued support for the development of wind energy has been re-confirmed in the results of a new survey published on the eve of a national celebration of wind energy - Wind Weekend. 76% of the British public and a host of high profile champions have embraced the power of the wind to make a difference and will join in the fun this August Bank Holiday at wind farms across the country. As part of Wind Weekend, a new competition will encourage everyone from around the UK to see if they can ‘spot’ wind turbines, whether out visiting a wind farm, driving around the countryside, or simply wandering around town, with a top prize of a year's supply of electricity from a wind farm to be won - see www.embracewind.com/weekend for details.

Click for the full story ...

Join the celebrations this August Bank Holiday Thursday 10 August 2006
Wind farms across the country will be opening their gates to members of the public to come and experience the power of the wind for themselves and find out more about the role of this exciting technology in our sustainable future this August Bank Holiday Weekend.

Wind farms large and small will have a range of activities on offer, from face painting to turbine tours, with fun and entertainment for all the family. Over 6,000 people visited wind farms during Wind Weekend last August Bank Holiday, and 100% of visitors who filled in a questionnaire said that they had enjoyed their experience and would recommend it to others.

Find out how you can join in the fun ...

Offshore on course Thursday 10 August 2006
Enough clean energy produced to power almost 80,000 homes; more than a quarter of a million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions saved; minimal impact on bird and sea life, a good safety record and valuable lessons learned are the results of the first annual reports for North Hoyle and Scroby Sands offshore wind farms, published today.

Welcoming a promising first year, the Minister for Energy Malcolm Wicks said:

“It was suggested earlier this week that the UK has the potential to become the Saudi Arabia of offshore wind energy. There are hurdles to be overcome before we achieve that status but the resource is there and we must harness it.

“The Government has invested £107 million in the first round of offshore wind farm development and the Energy Review published last month outlined measures to provide it with a further impetus as we move forward.

“The UK is one of the countries leading the way in the sector and those companies that have got their projects in the water producing clean, green electricity are to be congratulated.”

Read the press release from the DTI to find out more ...

A copy of the North Hoyle report (2 parts) can be found online at http://www.dti.gov.uk/files/file32843.pdf and http://www.dti.gov.uk/files/file32844.pdf

A copy of the Scroby Sands report can be found online at http://www.dti.gov.uk/files/file32785.pdf

RealPower Friday 4 August 2006
Real Power is the quarterly newsletter from BWEA, aimed at members, stakeholders and anyone with an interest in the progress of the wind industry in the UK. As well as all the usual updates and latest industry news and views, this special edition includes BWEA's review of the results of the Energy Review and an interview with BWEA's new CEO Maria McCaffery.

Click here to read the latest issue of Real Power online today

SNH praise wind industry sensitivity Wednesday 2 August
A new report from Scottish Natural Heritage shows that wind farm developers have largely avoided the most environmentally sensitive sites in Scotland. SNH have therefore had no objection in principle to three-quarters of applications over the last five years.

BWEA and SRF welcomed the publication, commenting on the welcome recognition of the hard work of the industry to ensure that the good wind farms are developed on the best sites, and noting the excellent progress in Scotland towards achieving renewable energy targets without impacting on windlife or landscape.

However, SNH did note that this good record will become more difficult to maintain in future, specifically mentioning the issue of cumulative impact, a growing are of concern for industry and stakeholders alike.

Click here to read the SNH press release Windfarms heading for the right sites - so far

Renewable energy industry aims for a stronger voice Tuesday 1 August 2006
The Boards of UK’s two leading renewable energy trade associations have written to their members to confirm that they are exploring the prospects for a merger. The British Wind Energy Association and the Renewable Energy Association say that a combined body would provide a stronger, more coherent voice for the sector offering even better value for members.

The trials of climate change - RAF fly-pasts test new wind farm friendly radar systems Wednesday 7 June 2006
The skies over Clatter mountain near Newtown in Powys, mid-Wales are the setting for unusual military manoeuvres as the MOD trials new technology designed to overcome interference on civil and military air traffic control radar. The MOD is working with the DTI, and BWEA with support from National Air Traffic Services (NATS) and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), to test two technologies from BAE Systems and Selex S.I. to see if they resolve problems posed by wind turbines, and in doing so free up a significant number of potential locations for wind farms across the UK.

Minister for Energy Malcolm Wicks said:

“The Government wants 10% of our electricity to come from renewable sources by 2010 and double that by 2020, with wind energy set to make a major contribution. There are still hurdles to be overcome but one by one we are knocking down the barriers that could prevent us reaching that target.

“A recently published NOP survey on behalf of the DTI found 81% of those polled supported wind farms but I recognise that they can be controversial and that is why it’s vital that we site them correctly. Overcoming the complex and challenging issue of radar interference will increase our options.

“This interference is a problem that has to be overcome all over the world and the pioneering work being done in Wales puts the UK at the forefront of the technology, with the inherent business benefits that can bring. It is encouraging to see government, industry and the military working closely together to find a solution.”

Click here for the full story ...

Renewables back on the agenda with a vengeance Wednesday 24 May 2006
BWEA, the UK's leading green energy trade body, today warmly welcomes two new statements of intent on delivering a renewables future for the UK. Speaking at the All Energy conference in Aberdeen, Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks re-iterated the Government's support for renewables, saying that they were back on the agenda with a vengeance, while Deputy First Minister and Enterprise Minister Nicol Stephen MSP announced a new funding package for emerging renewable technologies.

Click here to read the press release

BWEA Statement on Prime Minister's CBI Speech Wednesday 17 May 2006
BWEA welcomes the Prime Minister's announcement last night of a 'big push' on renewables as a result of the Energy Review. BWEA's Energy Review submission shows that significant contributions are possible from renewables, identifying that 21% of UK electricity supplies can be generated from the renewable energy sources of wind, wave and tidal alone by 2020. While a 'step change' in delivering energy efficiency is clearly essential, we also require diverse energy supplies from indigenous resources to deliver a clean, green secure energy future for Britain.

Click here to read full statement.

Green DIY Energy Boost Tuesday 16 May 2006
Deputy First Minister and Minister for Enterprise & Lifelong Learning, Nicol Stephen MSP, today announced a boost for funding for communities and households who want to generate their own energy. The Scottish Community & Householder Renewables Inititiative (SCHRI) has been awared an additional £3 million over two years, an increase of 60% on the previous year's funding.

See more details in BWEA, Scottish Renewables Forum and Micropower Council joint release.

realpower - the quarterly magazine from BWEA Monday 15th May 2006
Real Power is the quarterly newsletter from BWEA, aimed at members, stakeholders and anyone with an interest in the progress of the wind industry in the UK. As well as all the usual updates and latest industry news and views, this fifth edition has a special focus on the Energy Review consultation.

Click here to read Real Power online today

Stronger Wind for Renewables in Wales Wednesday 10 May 2006
BWEA has established a Wales Steering Committee with the aim of helping to deliver the Welsh Assembly Government's renewable energy targets. To complement this renewed determination, BWEA has also appointed a new full time Wales Wind Officer to lead the Committee's efforts and to make certain that everyone works closely together in achieving sustainable energy solutions. Llywelyn Rhys, BWEA Wales Officer said:

"The advantages of wind power are substantial compared with other conventional energy sources. As we continue to see the evidence of climate change and its devastating effects, we can be sure that wind is a clean, indigenous and a free energy resource that produces no green house gas emissions and can lead the way to a sustainable energy future."

Click here for more details on BWEA's work in Wales.

Green light for Europe's largest wind farm Thursday 27 April 2006
The Scottish Executive has today announced consent for ScottishPower's Whitelee wind farm, south of Glasgow. Expected to be completed in summer 2009, when built the 140 turbines totalling 322 MW will generate electricity to power nearly every home in Scotland's capital and will be the largest wind farm in Europe.

BWEA CEO Marcus Rand commented:

“This fantastic news is a further sign that onshore wind is delivering and should give confidence to the Government to commit to expanding the role of wind and renewables in the ongoing Energy Review. Wind, both on and offshore, represents our best chance of delivering significant quantities of carbon free power by 2015 and this project will be an essential part of that delivery.”

Find out more ...

35-strong alliance issues joint manifesto for Government's Energy Review Wednesday 19 April 2006
Thirty-five organisations concerned with securing clean, sustainable energy supplies, have today joined forces to issue a joint statement in response to the Government's Energy Policy Review. Click here for more ...

Industry calls on PM to commit to 20% renewables by 2020 Thursday 13 April 2006
New evidence today presented by BWEA in its formal submission to the Government's Energy Review shows that wind power both on and offshore, wave and tidal stream and small scale wind turbines can generate 21% of the UK’s projected electricity needs in 2020, equivalent to two thirds of all UK homes, and in doing so can reduce gas imports, avoid 32 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions and deliver over £16 billion of investment in UK plc.

BWEA is therefore calling on Government to commit to a 20% by 2020 target and highlights action needed in five specific areas to make this potential a working reality.

BWEA CEO Marcus Rand said:

“Malcolm Wicks, when he launched this Review, made clear he wanted evidence not opinions on our energy options. This is the most extensive piece of work undertaken on the deliverability of wind and marine renewables and should provide him and the Prime Minister with the confidence to commit this nation to generating at least a fifth of our power needs from renewables by 2020. The arguments for doing so are compelling; huge public support, significant carbon reduction, increased energy security, and affordable power delivered quickly by a dynamic and innovative industry ready and willing to deliver.”

BWEA’s full submission including all the research undertaken by the Association can be found at www.bwea.com/energyreview.

Another UK first! Tuesday 11 April 2006
Hadyard Hill has become the first UK wind farm to generate over 100 MW of power. Owned and operated by Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE), the 120 MW, 52-turbine wind farm in South Ayrshire reached the milestone as it nears completion of its commissioning phase.

Ian Marchant, Chief Executive of SSE, said:

“During 2005, the UK became one of only eight countries in the world to have more than 1,000 MW of wind energy capacity. I am very pleased that in 2006 we have enabled it to pass another green energy milestone – with the first wind farm in the UK to produce over 100 MW of electricity.

“It is clearly to the UK’s advantage that it should minimise its dependence on depleting fossil fuels and maximise its exploitation of indigenous sources of energy, particularly renewables. Hadyard Hill demonstrates that wind farms can make a meaningful contribution to meeting the UK’s energy needs.”

British Wind Energy Association (BWEA) CEO Marcus Rand, added:

"This record breaking contribution to the UK's electricity supply from a 120 MW onshore wind energy project is a welcome addition to another record breaking year for the UK wind industry. With 171 MW operational since January and a total of 665 MW due to be built this year, onshore wind is now firmly established as an essential part of the UK's energy mix. Moving forward, BWEA research published last month demonstrates that onshore wind will continue to lead the UK’s renewable energy developments, by delivering close to 5% of the UK’s electricity supply by 2010.”

Click here for more ...

Wind power intermittency blown out of proportion 5 April 2006
BWEA has warmly welcomed the publication of a new report from the UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC) on the costs and impacts of intermittent renewable energy on the UK's electricity network. The most comprehensive assessment of the evidence on intermittency ever undertaken, reviewing over 200 studies on the subject, the report confirms that variable generation from sources such as wind and other renewable technologies need not compromise electricity system reliability at any level of penetration foreseeable in Britain over the next 20 years.

BWEA Head of Grid and Technical Affairs, Richard Ford, commented:

"This report puts the final nail in the coffin of the myth that wind cannot be integrated onto our electricity network in significant quantities. There is no technical barrier to wind contributing 20% or more of our power, at a cost that is both quantifiable and reasonable.

Click here to read more

Click here to go to the full report at the UKERC site

BWEA endorses introduction of Wind Turbine Safety Rules 4 April 2006
BWEA today is pleased to give its official sanction to a new set of guidelines for the UK wind industry. The Wind Turbine Safety Rules (WTSR) specify actions and procedures which have to be followed in order that persons working on wind turbines are safeguarded from inherent dangers that exist from the installed electrical and mechanical equipment in wind turbines. Developed jointly by owners and manufacturers, the WTSR have now been successfully trialled and are therefore endorsed by BWEA as representing industry best practice for operational wind farms, an endorsement which is echoed by the Health and Safety Executive:

“The HSE prefers industry to be self regulating. The HSE has recognised that the wind energy industry has been proactive by investing a great deal of effort in producing the Wind Turbine Safety Rules. The HSE therefore encourages all persons working in the wind energy industry to use these rules wisely as part of their safe systems of work.”
Dave Chaplin
HM Inspector Of Health and Safety

Click here to read more, including full set of guidance documents

Offshore wind at a crossroads 4 April 2006
New research released today shows that the UK offshore wind sector is at a critical crossroads. The research, which will feed into the Government’s Energy Review, shows the sector is capable of meeting some 6% of the UK’s power needs by 2015 but additional support is needed and that without additional Government intervention the roll out of the UK's major offshore wind programme risks being stalled. As a result the enormous environmental and economic potential of this sector may not be fully realised and the opportunity for the UK to be a world leader could be missed.

The report; Offshore Wind: At a Crossroads, undertaken for BWEA and Renewables East, has shown that without additional support for the sector only 2,000 megawatts (MW) of offshore wind capacity will be installed in UK waters by 2015, only 25% of what is possible over the next ten years. The report identifies that the industry could deliver some 8,000 MW of offshore wind capacity by 2015, equivalent to 6% of UK electricity supply, representing some £10 billion of investment and would prevent the emissions of up to 20 million tonnes of carbon dioxide.

BWEA is today, at its Offshore Wind Conference in London, urging the Government to ensure it prioritises offshore wind in the current Energy Review and to put in place the necessary measures to ensure the current economic gap for offshore wind is closed while maintaining the strong progress being achieved onshore.

Clarity on connecting offshore renewables welcomed 30 March 2006
Today's statement by Energy Minister Malcom Wicks on connecting offshore renewables to the electricity network has been met with strong support by BWEA. The results of the consultation provide consistency with existing arrangements onshore, improves the economics of offshore renewable generation and provide a sound framework for the future development of offshore networks to connect future wind, wave and tidal generation.

Richard Ford, Head of Grid and Technical Affairs at BWEA said

“This is welcome news. The industry is delighted that the Government has finally settled the regulatory framework for offshore transmission. Now the hard work begins on the details of how this framework should be implemented. BWEA is looking forward to working with Government and Ofgem to deliver this".

Read the full response here ...

Marine Bill balancing act must safeguard UK's offshore renewable energy strengths 29 March 2006Today's launch by Defra of a consultation on a Marine Bill for the UK on how to develop new laws affecting the marine area has been welcomed with cautious optimism by BWEA. As well as protecting the UK’s unique marine environment BWEA believes this significant piece of legislation must also help safeguard the UK’s unique offshore energy strengths in its winds, waves and tides. However it stressed that any such framework must be complemented by increased Government support for offshore renewables to help unlock the potential for carbon free energy production from our seas. Michael Hay, Marine Renewables Development Manager at BWEA, said:

“BWEA welcomes the thrust of this consultation, however we believe that the key strategic importance of our vast offshore renewable energy resources must be fully recognised in the formulation of any new Bill and in increased Government support for their development."

Click here for more ...

Industry response to Climate Change Review 28 March 2006
Disappointment is the key response of the UK wind industry to the Government's Climate Change programme Review. Of key concern is the lack of additional support for offshore wind, without which the future of the UK's offshore wind energy programme is in doubt and the significant carbon reducing potential of this key technology may not be fully realised.

Marcus Rand, BWEA's Chief Executive, said:

"We had hoped this climate review would inject an additional boost to offshore wind to ensure it joined onshore as a major provider of new power and carbon savings to hit our 2010 targets. The Government's failure to act in this review must be addressed in the forthcoming Energy Review. Without a vibrant offshore wind sector it is hard to see how the Government's 2010 climate targets can be met and how our 20% renewable aspirations by 2020 can become a working reality."

Click here for the industry response in full ...

Microgeneration Strategy launched 28 March 2006
Trade associations representing the micropower industry have welcomed today's publication of the Government's Microgeneration Strategy as a step in the right direction. BWEA CEO Marcus Rand said:

“BWEA warmly welcomes the intent of Government to catalyse the commercialisation of small wind and other micro renewables and is of course delighted that an extra £50 million has been committed to microgeneration projects. It is an absolute imperative that the intent of this document is matched with the necessary actions, so this strategy forms an important part of a long-term commitment to fast-track the full-scale deployment of these critical technologies as quickly as possible.”

Click here to read responses from the Micropower Council, Renewable Energy Association, Green Allliance, Association for the Conservation of Energy, Combined Heat and Power Association and the SGBI.

Onshore wind energy to power over 3 million homes by 2010 27 March 2006
BWEA today has published new research which shows that by 2010, the onshore wind industry will generate 50 per cent more electricity than previously predicted, and will have installed 6,000 megawatts (MW) of wind power capacity, generating almost 5% of UK electricity supply, avoiding up to 13 million tonnes of CO2 emissions and delivering nearly half of the Government's 2010 renewable energy target.

Onshore Wind: Powering Ahead, part of BWEA's contribution to the Government's Energy Review consultation, claims to be the most comprehensive and realistic assessment ever undertaken of the UK's onshore wind industry. Chris Tomlinson, BWEA's Head of Onshore, said: "Onshore wind can play a hugely significant role in meeting renewable energy and climate change targets. Our research proves, very clearly, that onshore wind will deliver, bringing major benefits to the economy and the environment while securing our energy supplies. Wind is already firmly established as part of the UK's energy mix and its continued expansion must be fully recognised in the Government's Energy Review."

Budget bonus for microgeneration 22nd March 2006
The microgeneration industry today warmly welcomed Chancellor Gordon Brown's Budget announcement that an additional £50 million will be available to develop microgeneration technologies under the new Low Carbon Buildings Programme. Click here for full joint press release.

Good Day for the Future of the Planet 17th March 2006
Micropower industry groups and environmental NGOs warmly welcome the next stage of the Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Bill. The Bill, which finally passed its Report Stage in the House of Commons today, now goes forward for its Third Reading. Click here for full joint press release.

This Thursday (16th March) Ken Livingstone will criticise proposals for building new nuclear power stations across the UK as he outlines his vision for a low carbon London at the Greenpeace Business Lecture. 16th March 2006
Addressing business leaders at the Greenpeace lecture the Mayor will launch a new report 'Powering London into the 21st century'. The report details how decentralising London's energy would be far more efficient in cutting the city's CO2 emissions, and the demand for imported gas as opposed to pursuing a centralised nuclear power focused national energy policy Click here for full press release.

Wind Industry Launches One-Stop Shop For Small Wind Wednesday 15th March 2006
In response to the massive growth in the public interest in small wind turbines, the UK's leading renewable energy association BWEA has today launched its latest addition to its award winning website, a comprehensive guide to the issues relating to small scale wind systems. Click here for press release or visit www.bwea.com/small.

Press Statement - Whinash decision Thursday 2nd March 2006
BWEA has today expressed its disappointment with the announcement by Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks and Rural Affairs Minister Jim Knight to refuse permission for the Whinash wind farm in Cumbria.

BWEA's Chief Executive Marcus Rand commented:

"While this is clearly disappointing news it is still only one project and many more onshore wind projects are being built throughout the UK. BWEA is confident that onshore wind energy will remain the mainstay of renewable energy delivery over the coming years. This year a record number of onshore wind projects will be built, totalling over 600 MW of capacity and we believe at least 5% of the nation's power will be met from onshore wind projects by 2010."

Click here for the full statement

Tackling Europe's energy crisis: wind energy, the "NO FUEL solution" Thursday 23 February 2006
"Wind. Power without Fuel" – This is the main message of a report released today by the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA): "Europe's energy crisis: the No Fuel Solution". The report is part of a broader campaign and outlines how wind can meet over one fifth of European energy needs, eliminate the economic risks of volatile and uncertain fuel prices, and provide an indigenous and practical solution to the current European energy crisis.
Click here for more...

Industry welcomes guidance on the preparation of renewable energy planning policy Tuesday 20 February 2006
BWEA welcomes new guidance launched by the TCPA for renewable energy planning policy 'Planning for Renewable Energy: Implementing PPS22 – Guidance for preparing renewable energy planning policies in development plan documents'
Click here for the full story ...

Record year for wind energy: global wind power market increased by 43% in 2005 17 February 2006
The global wind energy sector experienced another record year in 2005. According to the figures released today by the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), the year saw the installation of 11,769 megawatts (MW), which represents a 43.4% increase in annual additions to the global market, up from 8,207 MW in the previous year. The total value of new generating equipment installed was over €12 billion, or US$14 billion.
Click here for more...

New TCPA guide for sustainable communities Tuesday 14 February 2006
A new guide from TCPA promotes opportunities for sustainable energy by showing how renewable energy generation in towns and cities can be both profitable and help combat climate change. Sustainabe Energy by Design, is aimed at planners and developers, and shows how technologies such as wind turbines can help build sustainable communities.
Click here for the full story ...

Renewable energy must play a major role in climate change solutions Monday 13 February 2006
A new report by the Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21) says that renewable energy must play a key role in the global energy supply to meet the environmental and economic threats of climate change.
Click here for the full story ...

UK's largest installation of rooftop turbines goes ahead Monday 13 February 2006
Co-operative Financial Services has become the first business to install the largest-ever commercial application of small wind turbines in the UK by launching a project at its Co-operative Insurance (CIS) offices. The building will eventually see the installation of 19 small wind rooftop turbines, each 1kW in size.
Click here for the full story ...

BWEA's third annual marine conference a sell out - Government's continued commitment made clear Friday 10 February 2006
BWEA would like to thank all those who helped make BWEA's third annual wave and tidal conference such a success, including the panel of 20 expert speakers and chair, and of course the 250 bums on seats, making this a sell-out for the venue. BWEA would particularly like to thank Ministers Ben Bradshaw and Malcolm Wicks for linking up by video, although unable to join us in person. The proceedings of the conference will be posted to delegates within a fortnight; in the meantime, highlights of the event are given below, including remarkably encouraging statement from the Energy Minister:

Addressing the renewables industry for the first time since the launch of the Energy Review, the minister ;re-affirmed his support saying:

The renewables sector has nothing to fear from the Energy Review. Growing evidence of climate change and questions around the reliability of global energy sources guarantees its place at the table. The 2010 target remains. The 2020 aspiration remains. By that time I am confident that our children will be learning about the reality, not the promise, of bulk generation from renewables.

He then went on to announce over 1.5 million of funding for three new marine energy prototypes under the DTI's Technology programme, to IT Power, LOG+1 and Garrad Hassan. Full details available on request. Also announced was the availability of the £42 million of grant funding under the Wave and Tidal Energy Demonstration Scheme, with a deadline for applications of 8th May. Details on this process are also available on request.

Full DTI press release 'Wicks Waves Away Doubts Over Government Support' is available at http://www.wired-gov.net/EDP8203R7W/WGArticle.aspx?WCI=htmArticleView&WCU=ARTCL_PKEY%3d37049%2cALERT_TYPE%3d15

BWEA Annual Review 2005
The UK wind industry is in a period of growth and 2005 has been yet another record-breaking year, increasing generation capacity by 50%. 2005 saw the UK become one of only eight countries to break the one gigawatt of installed wind power capacity, and the UK was also the only country to build an offshore project this year. BWEA's Annual Review 2005 provides comprehensive details of these and other industry statistics along with overviews of all work areas of the Association, including onshore and offshore wind, through small scale wind systems to marine renewables, and all the accompanying grid and technical issues, as well as public engagement through our Embrace the revolution campaign

If you have ever wondered just what is that BWEA does, read our Annual Review by clicking on the image above and find out why BWEA is the UK's leading renewable energy association.

Press Statement - BWEA CEO Wednesday 1 February 2006
After three years leading the BWEA, the UK's largest renewable energy association, Marcus Rand, BWEA's CEO announced that he will be leaving the Association at the beginning of May.

Commenting on the announcement Marcus Rand said:

"It's been a fantastic three years at the BWEA and I've loved every minute of it. We've come an awful long way in a short period of time expanding our influence, turnover, and work programme for our greatly increased membership base. I'm now ready for a new challenge and am actively considering a couple of exciting options. As an Association we've achieved an enormous amount and I'm very proud that I've played my part during such a critical phase in the industry's development in moving wind into the mainstream where it belongs."

Chris Shears, BWEA Chair, said:

Marcus has been a valuable and dedicated CEO who has steered the BWEA through an exciting period in the growth of the wind and marine renewable energy industries. He leaves the Association in a strong position and ready to face up to the next exciting chapter in our development. This is a crucial period for this industry with the Energy Review now underway and I'm therefore delighted that Marcus will be with us for the next three months to lead our response. He's a great guy who'll be sadly missed and I would like to wish him every success in the future"

European record for wind power: over 6,000 MW installed in 2005 - wind has surpassed EC White Paper targets for 2010 Wednesday 1 February 2006
Industry statistics released today for the EU wind energy market show that cumulative wind power capacity increased by 18% to 40,504 MW (megawatt) at the end of 2005, up from 34,372 MW at the end of 2004. 6,183 MW of wind power capacity were installed last year, representing a wind turbine manufacturing turnover of some €6 billion, said EWEA, the European Wind Energy Association.

Click here to read the full release

Power & Opportunity: Britain can rule the waves and tides Wednesday 25 January 2006
BWEA, the UK's leading renewable energy trade association which champions the wind and marine renewables industry warmly welcomes a new report published today by the Carbon Trust on the opportunities for Britain's fledging marine renewables industry. The results of the Marine Energy Challenge show that wave and tidal power could provide as much as 20% of the country's current electricity needs and become cost-competitive with other types of energy generation in the long term. Coming just two days after the Government launches a review of energy policy, this is an encouraging message, echoed by BWEA Chief Executive Marcus Rand:

"Today's report provides report provides important impetus behind the vision that Britain can rule the waves and tides, making a significant dent in our carbon emissions alongside creating new world class industries for UK plc. With the Government's Energy Review shining a spotlight on future energy policy this influential report has been published at a critical time. The findings confirm that marine energy has a major role to play in providing 20 per cent of the nation's power in a secure and low carbon way. Importantly it lays down the challenge to Government and industry to provide the appropriate levels of public and private sector support over the coming years to ensure this vision becomes a reality. We must as a nation urgently pick up this challenge as evidence from the wind sector shows where long-term support is provided the costs of power generation can be reduced significantly and the multiple environmental and economic benefits can be harnessed."

Check out the next event on the agenda for the UK's wave and tidal sector - BWEA's marine renewables conference on 8th Feb

BWEA CEO says wind and renewables must be at heart of Energy Review Monday 23 January 2006
Speaking as the energy debate kicks off with the launch of the public phase of the Government's Energy Review, BWEA Chief Executive Marcus Rand outlined the key messages that the UK's largest renewables association will be feeding into the Review:

"This Energy Review is a tremendous opportunity for the UK to respond positively to the dual challenge of addressing climate change whilst keeping the lights on in Britain, as set out in the Energy White Paper.

It is essential that wind and renewables are at the heart of the Energy Review, and that Britain is set firmly on course to utilise our huge natural resources, such as wind, wave and tidal stream.

BWEA is confident that wind and marine renewables will play a leading role in delivering 20% of this country’s electricity needs by 2020."

For more information, including an overview of key industry statistics, click here ...

Full details of the Energy Review consultation can be found at www.dti.gov.uk/energy/review/

British public surveyed on future of energy policy - wind preferred option to tackle climate change 19 January 2006
A new survey of the British public's attitudes toward future energy options has revealed high levels of concern about climate change with 94% agreeing that action must be taken. The survey by Ipsos MORI with the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change and the Centre for Environmental Risk at the University of East Anglia founds that most people - 78% - believed that promoting renewables is their preferred option to tackle climate change, with nuclear coming a poor third (54%) after lifestyle changes and energy efficiency (76%).

Professor Nick Pidgeon, who led the survey research team, explained that "the government has already recognized the need to take public acceptability into account when exploring our future energy options." He added "The survey findings suggest that, given the numbers who are still opposed to renewal of nuclear power, there remains considerable potential for conflict around this issue."

Summary at http://www.tyndall.ac.uk/publications/EnergyFuturesSummary.pdf, or full report at http://www.tyndall.ac.uk/publications/EnergyFuturesFullReport.pdf

Wind power being hit by 'long and damaging' planning delays Tuesday 17 January 2006
A new report published by Scottish Renewables has criticised delays in the planning process, which could potentially damage Scotland's renewables targets and the growth of the industry. Chief executive Maf Smith commented: " The wind industry in Scotland is suffering from a deadly double whammy that is causing long and damaging delays in the planning approval process.

"There is a serious lack of resources in the planning system, both locally at Council level and nationally at Scottish Executive level that is holding back the initial stages of the process. Then at the statutory consultation stage there are further delays as many consultees do not have the staff to quickly prepare their reply. We are now in the situation where the snail's pace of planning decisions is seriously holding back vital wind energy development. This is ironic when you consider that a large wind farm can be built in nine-months.

"Even those wind farms receiving permission must still wait up to a year before they receive all the necessary supplementary permits and legal authorisations – known as Section 75 agreements – before they can actually start construction work on site."

Marcus Rand, chief executive of the British Wind Energy Association, said: "Projects like the newly commissioned Black Law wind farm, capable of providing enough electricity to power a town the size of Paisley and praised by the RSPB for improving the land, show the way ahead for Scotland and the rest of the UK.

"With the best wind resource in Europe and an industry ready to deliver clean renewable electricity, Scotland has the opportunity to become the powerhouse of renewable energy in the UK. This will act as a catalyst for other renewable technologies, attracting jobs and massive investment to the region. However, this potential can only be realised if the logjam of projects being assessed by the Scottish Executive - 80% of all wind energy capacity currently in the planning process, equivalent to the annual electricity needs of 2.5 million homes – or Scotland's domestic energy needs - are released by prompt decision making throughout 2006."

Click here for full story or link to the report Wind Energy 2006 ...

UK's most powerful wind farm could power Paisley January 2006
The UK's most powerful wind farm, ScottishPower's Black Law, was officially opened in January by Scottish Enterprise Minister Nicol Stephen. The £90 million Black Law is located near Forth in Lanarkshire and has been built on old opencast coalmine site which was completely restored to shallow wetlands during the construction programme.
Click here for the full story ...

Real Power is the quarterly newsletter from BWEA, aimed at members, stakeholders and anyone with an interest in the progress of the wind industry in the UK. As well as all the usual updates and latest industry news and views, this fourth edition features an interview with Defra Minister Ben Bradshaw on the Marine Bill, and a special focus on the UK and European offshore wind energy markets.

Click here to read Real Power online today

Time to take action on climate change - new campaign launched Thursday 1 December 2005
A new three year drive to communicate the threat of climate change and the need for everyone to tackle the problem has been launched by Environment Secretary Margaret Beckett and Climate Change Minister Elliot Morley. The announcement unveils a series of new communication resources that tell the story of climate change and seek to inspire people to get involved in the campaign. Details of how private sector groups, organisations and charities can apply for money from a £6m fund over three years were also announced.
Click here to read more ...
or watch a two minute film telling the story of climate change - click here or on the image on the right

Selected news from 2005 is available here