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BWEA Press Release

Thursday 19th May 2005

SDC report underlines critical importance of wind power for the UK

BWEA response to Sustainable Development Commission's report on wind power in the UK

BWEA Chief Executive Marcus Rand said:

With a review of energy policy around the corner, this report has been published at a critical time. It underlines the importance of wind energy in meeting our climate change and energy security goals. The report concludes that wind, along with other renewable technologies, "offers the only sustainable and secure option for generating electricity over the long term."

Today's report bolsters the role of wind power, making clear that the technology is "a critically important part of the overall energy mix". The wind industry is expanding rapidly and is expected to contribute about 7% of the nation's electricity needs by 2010 and potentially 15% or more by 2020 as part of the Government's renewable energy targets and aspirations. BWEA expects that wind development to 2010 will be split roughly equally between on- and offshore projects.

Furthermore, the report highlights an earlier study that concludes that by 2020 wind power is likely to be the cheapest source of power generation in the UK – cheaper than coal, gas and nuclear – even without a carbon credit. The report has also calculated that the additional cost of generating a fifth of our electricity needs from wind would result in only "a very modest increase in cost for consumers".

The report produces strong evidence that debunks many of the myths about wind power on key issues such as noise and impact on wildlife. Importantly it dismisses claims that intermittency is a major barrier to large scale deployment of wind power. The report confirms that significant amounts of wind capacity can be integrated onto our electricity network without the need for dedicated back-up and without compromising the nation's security of supply.

Marcus Rand adds:

"The Commission's positive conclusions will come as no surprise to the three quarters of the UK public that believe wind energy is necessary to meet our current and future energy needs."

Notes to Editors:

• 1. The full report is available online at the SDC website: http://www.sd-commission.org.uk/pages/media/list/wind.html
• For a list of all operating UK wind projects, see http://www.bwea.com/map. A list and map of projects due for commissioning in 2005 can be found at http://www.bwea.com/map/2005.html.
• There are currently 18 wind energy projects under construction and due for commissioning by end 2005. These include the third of the UK's large-scale offshore wind farms, Kentish Flats, off the coast of Kent. Once completed, these will add a further 600 megawatts (MW) to the UK's wind power portfolio, increasing wind power's contribution to the UK electricity portfolio to some 1.5% of total supply. Approved projects awaiting construction represent an additional 2% of supply waiting in the wings. A further 6,180 MW of potential wind capacity is currently progressing through the planning system, which if approved, represents and additional 6% of UK electricity supply.
• BWEA is the professional association championing the UK wind and marine renewables industry representing 325 companies active in the sector.
• For further information contact Dr Gordon Edge, Head of Offshore Wind at BWEA on 0207 689 1967/ 07968 843789 or email g.edge@renewable-uk.com.