 News
Tuesday 29 August 2006
The power of the wind: a powerful attraction
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. Martin Mathers, Community Relations Manager at ScottishPower’s Renewables team who opened up their Black Law wind farm in South Lanarkshire said:
 “The great thing about having an Open Day like this is that it really gives people an opportunity to come here and see for themselves exactly what goes on at a wind farm. It also gives us a chance to dispel a lot of the myths circulating about wind energy. The day was really busy with a fantastic turnout - approximately four and a half thousand people - and there was lots for people to do including meeting some of the animals from the Five Sisters zoo in Livingston and the opportunity to take part in some energy workshops. By far the greatest interest on the day was the trips to the turbines themselves and we were ferrying people to and from the turbines for around five hours. This was a great opportunity for the community to enjoy a day out and learn something different at the same time.”
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. Juliet Davenport, Good Energy CEO, said “We’re delighted with the success of the day. We put thousands in touch with renewable energy and have shown people that they can help to secure Britain’s energy supply and become part of the solution to climate change”
British Wind Energy Association 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.”
Wind Weekend was organised by Embrace the Revolution, the national campaign from BWEA in support of wind energy. The success of the weekend follows on from new research which confirms the continuing high level of support for this successful technology with 76% of the British population agreeing that wind farms are necessary to help meet current and future energy needs in the UK.
For further information, including images and interviews, please contact Alison Hill, Head of Communications 020 7689 1966 / 07956 859 749 / alison@bwea.com
Notes to editors
About BWEA:
BWEA is the UK’s leading renewable energy trade association, with over 300 companies in membership. BWEA is at the forefront of the development of the UK wind, wave and tidal stream industries, promoting and protecting its members’ interests to Government, business, and the media.
About Embrace the Revolution:
Embrace the Revolution is a national campaign from BWEA, challenging the myths about wind energy and giving supporters of wind, three-quarters of the UK population, an opportunity to take action.
See www.embracewind.com for further information.
The first Wind Weekend was held in 2005 and attracted 6,000 people to 14 wind farms across the UK. 100% of visitors who filled in a questionnaire said that they had enjoyed their experience and would recommend it to others. The results also revealed that following their visit to the wind farm 78% of people wanted to find out more about wind farms and renewable energy.
About the GfK NOP ‘Wind Tracker’:
Research conducted among 973 adults 16+ 28-30 July 2006 showed that:
- 76% of people in Great Britain agreed that wind farms are necessary so that we can produce renewable energy to help us meet current and future energy needs in the UK
- 52% of people agreed that they don't think wind farms are ugly or would be a blot on the landscape with 18% having no strong views.
- 60% of people think that what they look like is unimportant, because wind farms are necessary
- 56% said they would be happy to have a wind farm in their local area, with 19% having no strong views
The ‘Wind Tracker’ is a survey of public opinion to wind energy in Great Britain, conducted by leading independent research company GfK NOP, and governed by MRS Codes of Conduct. This is the fifth in the series which asks a nationally representative sample a standard set of questions.
See www.bwea.com/ref/windtracker.html
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