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 Leaked draft government energy strategy ‘could endanger UK security of supply and even raise our carbon emissions.’ 23 October 2007
The leaked draft government energy strategy revealed in today’s Guardian reveals flawed thinking which would risk not only the UK’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions but also the security of its domestic electricity supply.
Responding to the leaked report, Maria McCaffery, BWEA CEO said today:
“If adopted by government, this strategy could endanger UK security of supply and even raise our carbon emissions. Civil servants are wrong to advise ministers that the 20% renewable energy targets are unreachable; the renewables industry is ready to deliver 35% of the UK’s electricity supplies by 2020, given the right political framework.
“Without renewable energy, there will be no alternative to increasing UK dependency on carbon-generating gas imports from the former Soviet republics once existing UK nuclear and conventional power stations retire over the next few years. New nuclear generation will simply take too long to build to bridge the ‘energy gap.’
“The debate should be about how to overcome the remaining hurdles to delivery rather than documenting them as a reason for failure. As the effects of climate change continue to spiral and as the UK’s energy supplies become more insecure, 2007 is certainly not the time for the national Government to undermine investor confidence in the renewable energy sector."
Click here for full story.
200 delegates flock to Cardiff for BWEA's inaugural Wales Conference 3 July 2007
With a renewed spirit of engagement between Government and industry, BWEA invited the views of leading politicians in the newly formed Welsh Assembly Government. Jane Davidson, Minister for Sustainability and Rural Development, addressed the conference saying “It has become clear that there will be significant environmental and economic consequences of non action. Climate change mitigation must be a key priority for the new Government and this Government is firmly committed to renewable energy.”
 Maria McCaffery, BWEA Chief Executive, was delighted by the interest in the conference, commenting,
“The attendance in Cardiff today has far exceeded our expectations for an inaugural event and clearly demonstrates the emphasis the renewables industry places on Wales and, at the same time, highlights the importance that Government at all levels in Wales is placing on the renewables industry. This level of mutual interest has most certainly positioned the BWEA Wales Conference on the annual calendar and I look forward to returning next summer.”
Click here for full story
Read BWEA's newsletter published to coincide with the inaugural Wales conference online at www.bwea.com/pdf/wales/BWEAWales07conferencenewsletter.pdf
 Adam Bruce elected new BWEA Chairman 18 June 2007
Adam Bruce, UK Chief Executive of Airtricity, has been elected Chairman of BWEA for 2007/09. He succeeds Chris Shears, Development Director at Renewable Energy Systems, who has held the post for the last two years.
Commenting on his election, Mr Bruce said:
“By signing up to the EU’s target for 20% of Europe’s energy to be generated from renewables by 2020 the UK government has set us a significant challenge. If we are to meet this target the BWEA must ensure that public policy is developed for the sector to flourish.
BWEA is the UK’s leading advocate for renewable energy. It has to lead the debate on the future for onshore and offshore renewables. It must hold government to account in meeting long-set targets. Offshore remains a key priority and I will maintain pressure on government to address development obstacles and to promote new opportunities.
Very soon there will be a new UK Prime Minister and a new government in Westminster to add to the new governments in Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast. I look forward to working with BWEA Chief Executive Maria McCaffery and the new Board to ensure that we effectively engage with all stakeholders to deliver our future energy strategy. “
Click here for more details including Mr Bruce's biography
Consensus on offshore wind 7 June 2007
Key stakeholders including Ofgem, the Chamber of Shipping and Natural England have expressed their strong support for offshore wind at the industry's 6th annual event, held in Liverpool today.
 BWEA CEO Maria McCaffery commented:
“I was heartened to hear such important players express their support for our industry and their desire for early dialogue. Their contribution provides a great sense of confidence as we move forward. I am a firm believer that with goodwill, plain speaking and early engagement of all stakeholders, great things are possible."
Read more
Wales Renewable Energy Bulletin 25 May 2007
The fifth issue of the Wales Renewable Energy Bulletin that aims to keep key stakeholders and supporters of renewable technologies in Wales informed on activity in the sector has now been published. Among regular updates is an overview of the progress towards meeting the TAN8 targets, which shows that Wales is now 75% behind schedule.
Click here to read in Welsh
Click here to read in English
Energy White Paper keeps show on the road, but lacks ambition on renewables 23 May 2007
BWEA has welcomed the elements of today’s Energy White paper which will boost the development of new renewable generating capacity in the near future. The proposed changes to the Renewables Obligation will provide much needed confidence to developing technologies such as offshore wind, and to a lesser extent wave and tidal power. Equally welcome is the maintenance of support for onshore wind power, which is the technology that is delivering now and will provide the bulk of Government’s current target of 10% of the UK’s power from renewables by 2010.
However, BWEA is concerned that Government appears not to believe in renewables sufficiently to turn its ‘aspiration’ to gain 20% of our power from renewables by 2020 into a firm target.
BWEA CEO Maria McCaffery said:
“BWEA is pleased to see renewables taking a central role in the UK's future low carbon energy policy. We have long been calling for political and economic stability for our industries, and there is much in the White Paper that will help achieve this.
However, BWEA is deeply disappointed that Government has not taken the opportunity to raise the level of ambition and set in stone a 20% target. This undermines long term confidence in our sector. BWEA member companies are ready to build, but we need that confidence to drive the major investments that will drive down the costs of renewables significantly and build new industries for the United Kingdom.”
Click here for full details of BWEA's reaction
The Energy White Paper is available at www.dti.gov.uk/energy/whitepaper
UK no nearer to 2010 renewables target with Planning White Paper 21 May 2007
BWEA today called on Government to enforce its own existing planning policy in order to meet the 2010 10% renewable power target. While the Planning White Paper proposals may bring benefits in the longer term, it is the current lack of determination by Government in driving through positive decisions for onshore wind projects that is threatening delivery of the target.
Click here to read more
Welsh election must suport wind energy 1 May 2007
With the campaigning for the National Assembly elections drawing to a close, BWEA is deeply disappointed that the political establishment in Wales has failed to give climate change and the role of renewables the urgent attention they demand during a crucial phase of policy making, despite the moral and legal obligation that will be placed on the next Assembly Government to rise to the challenge of reducing carbon emissions.
Llywelyn Rhys, Wales Officer for BWEA, claims that the political parties were being unduly influenced by small but vocal anti-wind farm campaign groups, saying:
“When being lobbied by vociferous and scaremongering anti-wind groups, prospective Assembly members should keep in mind that a significant majority of the Welsh public are in favour of both on and offshore wind farms. Many anti-wind objectors appear motivated by the old myths and exaggerations that are trotted out year after year despite all evidence to the contrary.”
Politicians are failing to recognise the public anxiety towards climate change and the overwhelming support in Wales shown towards wind energy as a practical means in tackling the phenomenon. A recent survey found that only 5% of respondents with wind farms in their local area expressed negative feedback towards having a wind turbine near their homes.
Click here to read more
Welsh political parties neglect clean energy 26 April 2007
The political establishment in Wales has been accused of neglecting and undervaluing a major energy sector that invests millions of pounds each year to the Welsh economy. BWEA claims that Welsh political parties are failing to give due recognition to the economic contribution of the wind energy industry in managing and developing projects in Wales.
Matt Partridge, Chair of the BWEA Wales Steering Group commented:
“Supporting green renewable energy industries in principle but ignoring the most developed and viable of these technologies - wind - is contradictory and not in Wales’ best economic and environmental interests.”
BWEA has decided to undertake a survey of the sector to gain a better understanding of the true value of the industry and the role it plays in creating a strong vibrant Welsh economy. The findings of the report will be published at the inaugural BWEA Wales Conference due to be held in Cardiff on 3rd July.
Click here for more details
Click here for details of BWEA's Wales conference
 Wave Hub approved for £21.5 million funding 26 April 2007
The world’s largest wave farm planned off the coast of Cornwall in South West England has been approved for £21.5 million of funding. The investment, which was agreed this week by the South West of England Regional Development Agency (RDA), means Wave Hub has the necessary £28 million needed to build it, subject to final Government and EU approval. The rest of the funding has already been secured. The project could generate £76 million over 25 years for the regional economy. It would create at least 170 jobs and possibly hundreds more by creating a new wave power industry in South West England.
Wave Hub could be built as early as next summer if Ministers give it planning permission. A decision is expected by June.
Maria McCaffery, CEO of BWEA, stated:
"This pioneering project is crucial for the success of wave energy development, not just in the UK but around the world. These funds represent a strong signal of intent from the South West RDA to help Britain retain its lead in this rapidly emerging, and potentially huge, clean energy industry and we look forward to welcoming the necessary consent to build, so that momentum can be maintained for UK marine renewables."
Click here for more details
Wales Renewable Energy Bulletin 17 April 2007
The fourth issue of the Wales Renewable Energy Bulletin that aims to keep key stakeholders and supporters of renewable technologies in Wales informed on activity in the sector has now been published.  Among regular updates is an overview of the progress towards meeting the TAN8 targets, which shows that Wales is now 74% behind schedule.
Click here to read in Welsh
Click here to read in English
BWEA election call on Welsh Political Parties 11 April 2007
The major political parties in Wales have been called upon to seriously address climate change in the upcoming National Assembly elections by unequivocally giving their support to wind energy. With the policy manifestos of Labour, Plaid Cymru, Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats having now all been published, BWEA is concerned that three of the four manifestos fail to mention wind power, the only technology that will deliver existing renewable energy targets.
Llywelyn Rhys, BWEA Wales Officer explained:
“Politicians need to realise the severity of the situation when talking about climate change and our ability to drastically and immediately reduce our emissions. If we are to cut carbon and achieve the 2010 and 2020 renewable energy targets as well as contribute to the UK and EU targets, then onshore wind power is currently the only game in town.”
Read in more detail ...
Carmarthenshire leads the way, but poor progress in Wales 30 March 2007
 BWEA has welcomed the consent for a new wind farm in Wales, and congratulated Carmerthenshire County Council for putting in place and following their own local guidance on renewables, in line with the Welsh Assembly's policy TAN8. However, BWEA is also issuing a stern warning that further action is needed: in the 20 months since TAN8 was published, only 2 wind farms have been approved, meaning that Wales is now 72% behind schedule in achieving its 2010 targets.
Llywelyn Rhys, BWEA’s Wales Officer, said:
“We have a very long way to go in Wales if we are to achieve our targets of increasing our electricity generation from renewable sources. The positive decision in Carmarthenshire is an excellent example of what can happen when policy is put into place and adhered to. If Wales is to do its part in tackling climate change then greater effort and urgency is needed by local governments to implement national policy.”
“BWEA calls on Welsh Assembly Government to show clear leadership and ensure that policy which tackles climate change is not continually frustrated by local governments. Otherwise, Wales has no chance of producing greener energy by 2010.”
Click here to read more
Click here to read the latest issue of BWEA Wales Renewable Energy Bulletin
 Pelamis in new test programme 30 March 2007
The first wave energy device to generate electricity for the National Grid is back on site for a new test programme at the European Marine Energy Centre in Orkney. Developed by Edinburgh-based Ocean Power Delivery, Pelamis can meet the energy needs of more than 500 homes and is already feeding electricity into the grid once again. It is also the prototype for four new machines that are due to be deployed in a single array at EMEC next year by CRE Energy Ltd, a subsidiary of ScottishPower. Funding from the Scottish Executive worth £4.1 million was announced recently for what will be world's biggest wave power project.
The wave energy converter currently under test, nicknamed the Sea Snake, has been fitted with a new mooring system, designed to speed up the installation process when the technology is deployed offshore and allow the use of relatively small, readily available vessels. The Pelamis machine was towed from Scapa Flow to EMEC's wave test site off Billia Croo using the multi-purpose vessel Delta Voe Viking and the Orkney Towage Company tug Einar. Once on site, it was hooked up to new seabed moorings and its power connection to the National Grid.
More info at www.emec.org.uk and www.oceanpd.com
New research blows away wind myths 28 March 2007
 A new report from RICS and Oxford Brookes University has found no clear relationship between the proximity of wind farms and property prices, findings repeated in other analyses. Chris Tomlinson, Director of Programme Strategy at BWEA commented:
“This new report is the third in as many years which reaffirms that there is no empirical evidence to demonstrate a direct link between operating wind farms and house prices. The report also takes a refreshing look at NIMBYism and tells us what we have known for some time - objections to wind farms are often found to be less about genuine local concerns and more about wider ideological issues, submitted from those who live hundreds of miles from the development site. In fact local people who live near operating wind farms are the strongest advocates of wind energy."
Click here to read more
Wales Renewable Energy Bulletin 22 March 2007
The third issue of the Wales Renewable Energy Bulletin that aims to keep key stakeholders and supporters of renewable technologies in Wales informed on activity in the sector has now been published.  Among regular updates is an overview of the progress towards meeting the TAN8 targets, which shows that we are now 72% behind schedule.
Click here to read in Welsh
Click here to read in English
 Support a windy Red Nose Day!
This well-known wind turbine next to the M25 in Hertfordshire was given a red nose job for Red Nose Day ‘The Big One’ on Friday 16 March. We are delighted to say that the online fundraising target has been exceeded so a great big thanks to everyone who sponsored the turbine and supported the Comic Relief good causes. With money still to be counted from RES staff fundraising activities in the office and the value of the electricity generated by the turbine during Comic Relief week, we hope to raise in excess of £2,000 overall.
The wind turbine, seen by the 160,000 motorists who use the M25 each day, generates clean, green electricity for Beaufort Court, the award-winning eco-friendly headquarters for renewable energy company Renewable Energy Systems.
Click here to support a windy Red Nose Day
 16 March 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 special edition, published to coincide with the Association's fourth annual wave and tidal energy conference, BWEA Marine 07, includes a focus on the conference with interviews with key speakers, along with an overview of the marine industry and current issues, including the Marine Bill and a look at offshore wind and an update on policy work.
There is also a look at media activity this year around the announcement of reaching 2 gigawatts of wind capacity and the BWEA research on wind farm planning delays.
Click here to read the latest issue of Real Power online today
Time to support wave and tidal stream energy 15 March 2007
As over 300 of the senior industry, investor and policy figures in the global wave and tidal energy sector gathered in the QEII Centre in Westminster to hear a rallying call and message of optimism for this major energy market of the future, BWEA called on Government to get the incentives right for wave and tidal energy projects in the reform of the Renewables Obligation.
As BWEA CEO Maria McCaffery commented
"Today we've been giving the message to Ministers that the reform of the Renewables Obligation is a golden opportunity to secure this long term low-carbon industry for the UK. We believe they're listening and we hope they will continue to do so. Indeed, they must if the Government's own climate change goals and renewable energy targets are to become a reality."
Click for more details
The climate can't wait for change 15 March 2007
As the Government launches its draft Marine Bill the offshore renewables industry has expressed the need for effective implementation of a clear and efficient planning process that will allow for the delivery of the only technologies available to deliver 20% renewable electricity for the UK by 2020.
Maria McCaffery MBE, CEO of BWEA stated:
"This is a huge piece of legislation that Government has to get right first time. Any delays in the planning process for offshore renewables caused by its implementation will only result in the failure of this country to meet its renewable energy targets. We need a clear transition into a simpler and more streamlined system as quickly as possible, and we need Government to take the tough decisions necessary to ensure that carbon reduction is given the priority it deserves in marine policy."
Click here for more details
Click here for a joint statement by WWF and BWEA on the Marine Bill White Paper
 
Europe sets the standard for the world 9 March 2007
Leading UK renewable energy trade associations BWEA, REA and Scottish Renewables have hailed as historic the decision of Europe's leaders to set a binding target for 20% of the EU's total energy supply to come from renewables by 2020. This target is challenging given that 6.5% of the EU's energy is currently sourced from renewables, but meeting it is vital if necessary reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are to be made.
Maria McCaffery, chief executive of the British Wind Energy Association, was jubilant:
"This bold step by the EU shows world leadership in this sector, vital for tackling climate change. By setting out this '2020 vision', and crucially by backing it up with legal penalties, the Council has set the solid framework required for long-term investment in these industries. Europe will reap the reward in terms of economic development, security of supply and a safer world."
Click for full response
Decision makers must heed Stern warning on climate change 2 March 2007
With crucial warnings on the need to take urgent action on climate change echoing around the world, BWEA releases shocking new evidence showing that decision makers for new onshore wind projects have not been responding to the environmental challenge.
Click here for more
One more step on the 'Path to Power' 20 February 2007
Just three weeks before BWEA's 4th annual conference on marine renewables, the scetor has received another important boost with the announcement from Scottish Executive of £13 million worth of grant funding for nine projects in Scottish waters. Building on other existing funding avenues this places the UK firmly at the forefront of marine renewables development.
However, BWEA is calling on UK Government to step up to the plate and deliver a UK-wide overarching strategy which includes a long-term market for marine renewables, in order to retain and extend this global leadership.
As BWEA CEO Maria McCaffery commented:
“These funds are an excellent expression of intent by Scotland to become the world leaders in marine renewables. Nevertheless, bearing in mind this is a potentially multi billion pound industry, UK governments at all levels must recognise that only by working together and providing the right level of support in order for marine to compete in the market will this potential be realised."
More details on today's announcement
More details on BWEA's Marine 07 conference
 UK offshore renewables powerhouse another step closer 19 February 2007
Today's consent for the 500 MW Greater Gabbard offshore wind project - the third of the 'Round 2' projects to be consented in as many months - brings the UK's consented offshore portfolio to 2,484 MW, with an additional 303 MW already operating and 294 MW under construction.
BWEA Chief Executive Maria McCaffery MBE said:
“BWEA is delighted by the next consent in the second phase of the UK’s world-leading offshore programme. The significance of this decision, aside from the notable benefits to the UK in terms of clean carbon free generation, is the continuing 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.”
The UK is at the forefront of the offshore wind industry, with potentially 8,700 megawatts of projects at various stages of development, and is set to overtake Denmark as the leader in installed offshore wind generating capacity in 2008.
Click for more details
UK fails to show leadership in EU renewables policy 14 February 2007
The UK Government was today accused of failing to live up to its rhetoric on renewable energy in negotiating the EU ‘energy package’: BWEA and Scottish Renewables are calling on British politicians not to water down the proposals that the European Commission published last month.
“The only real target is a mandatory target,” said BWEA Chief Executive Maria McCaffery. “The UK Government is opposing the Commission’s proposal to set a mandatory 20% target for all Europe’s energy to come from renewables, and this sends the wrong signal to industry. We need firm backing if investors are to have confidence in our sector. The UK is not alone in wanting the target made indicative only, but we had expected more of our Government.”
“Scotland enjoys the jobs and environmental benefits that mandatory targets on electricity and transport provide with the growth in onshore wind, the refurbishment of old hydro and the development of new projects and in providing signals to emerging technologies like wave, tidal and bioenergy ”, said Scottish Renewables acting Chief Executive Jason Ormiston.
“The same now needs to be done to encourage action in heating with targets for renewables and microgeneration in Scotland. The EU targets could do much to promote this ambition and it is unfortunate the UK government does not share that ambition.”
Click for more details
New milestone for UK wind power portfolio 9 February 2007
A windswept hill on the outskirts of Stirling in Scotland will today see a significant milestone of achievement for the UK wind industry, as Secretary of State Alistair Darling cuts the ribbon to signal the commissioning of the turbine which takes the UK over the two gigawatts of installed capacity landmark and into seventh position in the global league table.
 BWEA Chief Executive Maria McCaffery, who was onsite to witness the commissioning, said:
“This is a day for celebrating the achievement of a significant milestone for our industry and underlining the position of wind energy as the true leader in the renewables revolution. There is still much work to do if we are to achieve the Government’s target of delivering 10% of our electricity from renewable sources by 2010, but today’s news is a tremendous step forward for harnessing our abundant natural resources for clean and sustainable energy production which is essential in overcoming the challenges of climate change and securing energy supply.”
Secretary of State for Trade and Industry Alistair Darling, said:
“Reaching two gigawatts is a significant landmark and the UK wind industry is to be applauded. It reflects the Government’s commitment to expanding the UK’s renewable energy resource. This is central to our efforts to tackle climate change, highlighted again last week by the UN’s International Panel on Climate Change.
“We want 20% of our electricity to come from these green sources and we are working hard on removing any barriers to achieving that aim. Wave, tidal and offshore wind power can make a significant contribution in future but onshore wind energy is delivering capacity here and now.”
Click here for full release including details of Airtricity's Braes of Doune wind farm
Click here for UK Wind Status Report
Wave Hub seeks more developers 9 February 2007
More wave device developers are being sought for the proposed £20 million Wave Hub project of the coast of South West England.
The South West of England Regional Development Agency (RDA), which is developing the project, has already identified three companies that want to use Wave Hub following a first round of interviews in December 2005.
Click here for full details
Beauly-Denny key to securing clean green electricity supply Monday 5 February 2007
The renewable energy industry has called for a called for a timely approval to a project crucial to delivering Scotland’s green energy potential, the upgrading of the existing transmission line between Beauly, near Inverness and Denny, near Falkirk. Speaking on behalf of the UK wind, wave and tidal energy sector, BWEA Chief Executive Maria McCaffery commented that
“Beauly-Denny is a vital first step in securing the UK-wide benefits of renewables and the many business opportunities associated with clean electricity supplies.
However, continued investment will be needed in electricity networks across the whole of the UK if this country is to truly commit to harnessing the power of our abundant natural resources.”
Click here for more facts, figures and comment
 Global wind market grows 32% in 2006 Friday 2 February 2007
The booming wind energy markets around the world exceeded expectations in 2006, reports the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) on the release of its annual statistics. Figures from wind energy developments in more than 70 countries around the world show the installation of 15,197 MW, taking total installed global wind energy capacity to 74,223 MW.
Despite constraints facing supply chains for wind turbines, the annual market for wind continued to increase at the staggering rate of 32%, showing that the global wind energy industry is responding fast to the challenge of manufacturing at the required level, and manages to deliver sustained growth. In terms of economic value, the wind energy sector has now become firmly installed as one of the important players in the energy markets, with the total value of new generating equipment installed in 2006 reaching €18 billion, or US$23 billion.
Click here for full details
 European market grows 23% in 2006 Thursday 1 February 2007
The market for European wind power capacity broke new records in 2006, according to the annual statistics issued by the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA). 7,588 MW of wind power capacity, worth some €9 billion, was installed last year in the EU, an increase of 23% compared to 2005.
The cumulative wind power capacity operating in the EU increased by 19% and now exceeds 48,000 MW. In an average wind year this will produce approximately 100 TWh of electricity, equal to 3.3% of total EU electricity consumption. For the seventh consecutive year, wind power is second only to gas-fired capacity (approximately 8,500 MW in 2006) in terms of new electricity generating installations.
Click here for full details
Regulator misses the point: RO six times more effective than NFFO 27 January 2007
As the UK approaches the installation of its second gigawatt of wind power capacity, making it one of only six countries globally to have reached this level, BWEA examines the progress of the sector under the differing Government support mechanisms for renewables. BWEA Chief Executive Maria McCaffery stated:
“The problem is not the RO mechanism, which is delivering many times the build rate ever achieved before. The fact that delivery is still not enough and ROC prices are a little high is partly because Ofgem themselves have failed to prioritise issues of grid reinforcement and access which have slowed the ability of the industry to deliver.”
She continued:
“In suggesting changes to the RO we all need to be very careful about jumping to conclusions at a time when we urgently need stability in the market place – both to enable delivery of wind energy projects which are required to meet the Government’s 10% renewable energy target by 2010 but crucially to maintain investor confidence in a UK market which now only represents 5% of the global wind energy industry. Ofgem’s proposal to revert to an old market model is a step backwards at a crucial time, when Government and industry need to move forward together, to deliver in quantity under pressing time frames.”
BWEA welcomes EC urging for new 'industrial revolution' Wednesday 10 January 2007
Today's publication by the European Commission of their new 'Energy Package' should serve as a timely prompt for UK Government, commented the UK's leading renewable energy trade association. BWEA Chief Executive Maria McCaffery stated:
"The renewables vision of 20% by 2020, presented today by the EC, must be followed by member countries as a priority if, as a group of amongst the wealthiest countries in the world, we are to lead by example in the fight against climate change.
Indeed this should be a timely prompt to our own Government as they attempt to deliver 20% of our electricity needs from renewable energy sources with a market support mechanism that is simply not capable of delivering it. BWEA therefore urges the UK Government to take the European reins in the renewables revolution and increase support for all renewable energy technologies whilst in parallel solidifying a 20% UK renewable electricity target for 2020, something they just don't appear committed to doing despite the rhetoric."
Government sums don't add up on renewable energy Friday 5 January 2007
BWEA has shot a warning across the bows of Government that the level of support for renewable energy must increase if government targets are to be met. The warning headlines its response to the Government’s consultation on reforming the Renewables Obligation (RO), jointly prepared with the Renewable Energy Association (REA). This consultation, stemming from last year’s Energy Review, proposes significant change to the RO, the support mechanism for renewable power in the UK. While BWEA welcomes the Government’s intention to increase the quantity and diversity of renewable energy delivery to the grid, the Association is clear that the attempt will succeed only if financial support is increased.
Commenting on the reform proposals, BWEA Chief Executive Maria McCaffery said:
“The RO has been highly successful in bringing forward the cheapest renewables: onshore wind, landfill gas and biomass co-firing. The Government’s plan to ‘band’ the RO could allow more technologies to share in this success, particularly offshore wind but this cannot be at the expense of onshore wind’s current strong growth. Accommodating the more expensive technologies whilst trying to get to a 20% target in 2020 – using the same amount of money as a 15% goal – is like trying to extract a quart from a pint pot. It just doesn’t add up.”
Read the full response here
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
Selected news from 2006 is available here
Selected news from 2005 is available here
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