News http://www.bwea.com/media/news/ en Copyright 2009 Wed, 20 May 2009 09:41:31 +0000 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss BWEA Welcomes Europe's largest onshore Windfarm coming online and securing extension
  • Charles Anglin, BWEA Communications Director, 020 7901 3010 / 0774 002 3641 or c.anglin@renewable-uk.com
  • Nick Medic, BWEA Communications Manager, 020 7901 3013 / 0779 246 2719 or n.medic@renewable-uk.com
    • Editorial notes: (1) The British Wind Energy Association is the trade and professional body for the UK wind and marine renewables industries. Formed in 1978, and with 468 corporate members, BWEA is the leading renewable energy trade association in the UK. Wind has been the world's fastest growing renewable energy source for the last seven years, and this trend is expected to continue with falling costs of wind energy and the urgent international need to tackle CO2 emissions. ]]>     http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/bwea_welcomes_europes_largest.html http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/bwea_welcomes_europes_largest.html Wed, 20 May 2009 09:41:31 +0000     Global study hails growth for small wind sector UK manufacturing industry casts aside economic gloom to become world's largest exporter A global study released by the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) today, flagged up significant international growth in demand for small wind technology. BWEA's own figures released last week recognised the UK as the world's biggest exporter of turbines in the sub 50kW division, last year deploying 4.7MW in international markets. The study's author Ron Stimmel of AWEA said: "The UK currently exports more small wind systems than any other country in the world and has a great potential domestic market. In the US, the world's largest small-wind market, the federal government recently enacted a long-term financial incentive for small wind turbine consumers that could bring a 30-fold growth to the US industry in as little as five years. With the right policies, the UK market could see similar growth." UK manufacturers currently hold an 82% revenue share of the UK market and export 50% of their output to over 100 countries worldwide. Benefiting from a weak British pound, 2008 export revenues for UK companies doubled and in the same year the sector created 500 new UK based jobs. The AWEA Small Wind Turbine Global Market Study commented: "The cleantech economy sector in general has been relatively strong throughout the global recession and credit crisis, and small wind is no exception. Even amidst the downturn, economies of scale are beginning to take shape in the industry and growth projections are the strongest in the industry's 80-year history" . Alex Murley, BWEA Small System Manager, said: "In the context of the current economic climate, record falls in UK manufacturing output, and challenging times for the UK green agenda, this news represents a glowing success story for a vibrant world leading UK manufacturing industry. If the UK marketplace is supported now, this promising UK sector could supply fast expanding global markets for decades to come." Since 2005, over 10,000 small systems have been deployed in the UK, equating to over 20MW of installed electrical capacity. In total, this growing industry now provides 1,880 UK based jobs. Leonard McGrill, Chairman of Iskra Wind Turbines: "We hope that unlike big wind, the UK's early technical lead will result in sustainable long term success, and the Government should further expand support to this potentially very big industry." David Sharman, Director of Ampair, added: "It would be helpful if the UK followed through on current successes with a strong feed-in tariff for small wind and a predictable planning system, to consolidate UK leadership in small wind manufacturing." For more information:
    • Charles Anglin, BWEA Communications Director, 020 7901 3010 / 0774 002 3641 or c.anglin@renewable-uk.com
    • Nick Medic, BWEA Communications Manager, 020 7901 3013 / 0779 246 2719 or n.medic@renewable-uk.com
    • Alex Murley, BWEA Small Systems Manager, 0207 901 3022 / 0777 264 0141 or a.murley@renewable-uk.com
    Editorial notes: (1) The British Wind Energy Association is the trade and professional body for the UK wind and marine renewables industries. Formed in 1978, and with 468 corporate members, BWEA is the leading renewable energy trade association in the UK. Wind has been the world's fastest growing renewable energy source for the last seven years, and this trend is expected to continue with falling costs of wind energy and the urgent international need to tackle CO2 emissions. (2) AWEA Small Wind Turbine Market Global Study: http://www.awea.org/smallwind/pdf/09_AWEA_Small_Wind_Global_Market_Study.pdf (3) The key findings of the global study were:
    • Global market (0-100kW products) 2008: 39.7MW (53% global market growth over 2007)
    • Global market (0-50kW products) 2008: 28.3MW
    • Largest world market (0-100kW) was the US: 17.3 MW
    • UK market (0-50kW) 2008: 7.24MW = 25% of global demand, second largest world market behind US.
    (4) BWEA Small Wind System UK market report 2009 was launched at last week's International Small Wind Conference. The key headline findings were:
    • Over 500 UK based jobs created between 2007 and 2008;
    • The UK small wind industry now provides 1,880 UK based jobs;
    • UK SWS installed capacity now exceeds 20MW, with 7.24MW installed in 2008;
    • Over 10,000 small wind systems deployed in the UK since 2005;
    • Export revenue for UK manufacturers doubles between 2007 and 2008;
    • Over 10,000 small wind system exported by UK manufacturers since 2005;
    • UK manufacturers now export 50% of output to over 100 countries;
    • UK manufacturers currently hold an 82% revenue share of the UK market;
    • Micro- and small-wind is the only microgeneration technology in which the UK holds global leadership.
    ]]>     http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/global_study_hails_growth_for.html http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/global_study_hails_growth_for.html Small Systems Fri, 01 May 2009 10:12:18 +0000     Wind industry gives thumbs-up to Budget package
  • Backs £4bn EIB deal
  • Welcomes review of Renewables Obligation
  • Supports long-term funding for new technologies
    • UK renewables industry leaders today welcomed Alistair Darling's Budget announcement of a package of measures to build a low carbon economy and further decarbonise electricity generation. The proposals include a potential £525m of new money through a review of the support mechanism for offshore wind. The Chancellor also announced a new deal with the European Investment Bank to provide a package of up to £4 billion for investment in renewable infrastructure projects, as well as a one year across the board doubling of capital allowances from 20% to 40%. Adam Bruce BWEA Chairman said: "This package of measures deserves a welcome from our industry, and is in line with proposals that we have been working through with government. It addresses the short-term economic hurdles we faced due to the fall of the £ against the €, and the post-Lehman collapse in project finance. It also restates the Government's long-term commitment to the renewable energy sector, and should enable us to unlock up to £10bn of private sector investment in wind and marine energy projects over the coming few years." The Budget proposes to review the support given to the offshore wind from Renewables Obligation Certificates by £525m. Electricity supply companies currently receive 1.5 ROCs for every megawatt hour (MWh) of energy they buy from offshore wind farms, which they can then sell on. Under the Chancellor's plans this will rise to 2 ROCs for the financial year 2009-2010, and fall back to 1.75 ROCS in 2010-11. Because of the collapse in bank lending wind schemes currently seeking finance face potential delays, particularly those being developed by independent power companies that have historically relied on project finance to bring wind farms into operation. Under the arrangement negotiated by the Chancellor the European Investment Bank will make available up to £4 billion for UK renewable schemes which cannot find project finance. Richard Mardon, Managing Director of Your Energy Ltd, a leading UK independent onshore wind energy developer said: "The UK has 9GW of wind energy projects on and offshore with planning consent or in construction, as much as 5GW of which could be completed within the next 2-3 years. Sorting out funding issues at this stage is crucial if we are to make a decisive step towards reaching our 2020 targets on renewable energy." Today also saw the announcement of £405 million in funding for other low carbon energy technologies, including wave and tidal devices - a sector where the UK is currently a world leader in research and development. The new funding will come via existing programmes such as the Environmental Transformation Fund to assist manufacturers to taking their projects from prototype to the commercial stage. Alan Moore, the Chair of the Government's Renewables Advisory Board and outgoing Chair of BWEA's Marine Strategy Group said: "The £405M for low carbon technologies development and deployment is a very promising and much needed budget decision. The wave and tidal industry has been fighting for support over the past years and only through determined efforts has made steady progress and established the UK as the world leader in this field. With this boost we should see the UK speeding the progress towards exploiting our massive indigenous wave and tidal energy potential." For further info please contact: Notes: The British Wind Energy Association is the trade and professional body for the UK wind and marine renewables industries. Formed in 1978, and with 468 corporate members, BWEA is the leading renewable energy trade association in the UK. Wind has been the world's fastest growing renewable energy source for the last seven years, and this trend is expected to continue with falling costs of wind energy and the urgent international need to tackle CO2 emissions.]]>     http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/wind_industry_gives_thumbsup_t.html http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/wind_industry_gives_thumbsup_t.html Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:50:01 +0000     <![CDATA[Wind industry ready to pump £2.5bn direct into UK economy]]> £10bn 'shovel-ready' wind projects could lay foundation for green economy BWEA, the UK's leading renewable energy business organisation, today launched their report on the wind, wave and tidal sector's contribution towards building a low carbon economy: Powering a Green Economy: Wind, wave & tidal's contribution to Britain's industrial future. The report sets out the action needed in the Budget to release an immediate £10 billion of private sector investment, £2.5bn of which would be spent direct in the UK on installation and construction work. This would provide an immediate economic stimulus to the UK economy and pave the way for the creation of a £65 billion British wind and marine energy sector by 2020. Launching the report BWEA Chairman Adam Bruce said: "The UK has a £10bn pipeline of "shovel ready" wind energy projects that are being held up by current economic conditions. If the Government takes the right action in the Budget tomorrow it can release this private sector investment, which will both provide an immediate boost to the economy and build the supply chain to deliver the next generation of offshore wind - with all the new employment opportunities that will present." There are approximately 2GW of offshore schemes (worth an estimated £6 billion) ready to be built and a further 3GW of onshore projects (worth £4 billion) which could be operating within the next 2-3 years. Options for releasing this private sector investment include encouraging funding from sources such as the European Investment Bank for schemes struggling to raise project finance; underwriting the energy floor prices in generator-supplier contracts; socialising offshore grid costs and increasing the offshore ROC multiple. Today's report also calls on the Government to take steps necessary to deliver on the long-term industrial opportunities presented by the expansion of offshore wind over the next decade, such as: Strategic support to develop 'wind industrial hubs' of research institutes and factories for manufacturing and operations suppliers. Long term investment in infrastructure such as a new offshore grid network, local 'smart' grids and upgraded port facilities. Action to tackle the skills shortage in the power sector, with the creation of 2,000 new renewables apprenticeships a year. While only 1% of the existing world wind market is offshore (some 1.5GW of generating capacity), up to 40GW of new sites will be developed in European waters over the next decade. At least half of those sites will be in the UK, creating a tremendous new opportunity for UK based manufacturing, installation and operations jobs. The BWEA analysis of the industry demonstrates that at least 20GW of UK offshore wind projects are deliverable by 2020. Together with onshore development this would create a £65 billion UK wind sector within a decade. Up to 60,000 UK based jobs could be created in the new sector, if the plant needed to supply the industry is located in Britain. Adam Bruce said: "There is now a wide consensus over the industrial potential offered by wind and marine renewables. The private sector is willing to invest billions to deliver a low carbon economy, and looks for further partnership with Government to clear both the short and long term obstacles to investment." For further information: Notes to Editors:
    1. For the full report 'Powering a Green Economy: Wind, wave & tidal's contribution to Britain's industrial future' click here (PDF format)
    2. The British Wind Energy Association is the trade and professional body for the UK wind and marine renewables industries. Formed in 1978, and with 468 corporate members, BWEA is the leading renewable energy trade association in the UK. Wind has been the world's fastest growing renewable energy source for the last seven years, and this trend is expected to continue with falling costs of wind energy and the urgent international need to tackle CO2 emissions.
    ]]>     http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/wind_industry_ready_to_pump_25.html http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/wind_industry_ready_to_pump_25.html Wed, 22 Apr 2009 13:59:08 +0000     BWEA welcomes IPPR report BWEA, the UK's leading renewable trade association, welcomed today's report by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), urging the Government to act in order for employment to be created in the offshore wind sector. The report 'Green Jobs: Prospects for creating jobs from offshore wind in the UK' states that the sector could provide 70 000 jobs in the UK by 2020, with timely Government assistance on supply chain and financing. Dr Gordon Edge, BWEA Director of Economics and Markets, said: "A host of independent studies has shown that the wind sector in the UK can be a motor for economic growth. Wind can provide clean, sustainable energy, while attracting investment and creating employment. It is a win-win situation, which, with the right policy framework in place, can benefit the country as a whole." The IPPR 'Green Jobs' report follows a series of reports and announcements on the potential of the renewable energy sector to create 'green-collar' jobs, including Bain and Co's report launched at last year's BWEA30 conference. "Government primarily needs to act to make sure that there is a strong market for offshore wind, without which manufacturers will not be interested. Then there needs to be strategic investment in infrastructure such as port facilities, with a single area chosen to be a manufacturing hub. Finally, there needs to be strong focus on training the skilled employees needed, and on simplifying and extending support for innovation in this sector," said Dr Edge. http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/bwea_welcomes_ippr_report.html http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/bwea_welcomes_ippr_report.html Tue, 14 Apr 2009 16:12:26 +0000 Government action needed to keep renewables on target Renewables industry calls for intervention to overcome impact of credit crunch Launching its submission to the Treasury today ahead of the Budget on April 22, the BWEA - the UK's leading renewable energy trade body - called for targeted Government intervention to ensure that Britain can meet its ambitious renewable energy targets. Maria McCaffery, BWEA Chief Executive said: "Large scale wind deployment is vital to reaching the UK's goal of generating up to 40% of our electricity from renewables by 2020. The current economic climate has caused a number of developers to put projects on hold, threatening the UK's targets, and leaving the country exposed to volatile fossil fuel prices. Building a clean energy sector in the UK is an important part of our economic recovery, and we need to maximize the opportunities to develop sustainable energy projects which would otherwise be delayed by the recession. We are keen to work closely with Government to deliver solutions to this renewables crunch, and to secure the UK's long-term competitive advantage as a magnet for low carbon investment." Both onshore and offshore projects are affected by a rise in supply chain costs, driven in part by the depreciation of the £ against the €, and by a tightening in availability of project finance. A number of key projects which are currently seeking finance now face potential delays, and threaten the UK's ability to meet its 2010 and 2020 renewables targets. Independent onshore developers in particular are struggling to find finance, with projects being delayed and the rate of new applications falling. Offshore, the timescales for Round 2 projects are being stretched to avoid deteriorating finances. There are £10 billion worth of 'shovel-ready' schemes, which could be released to boost the economy if project finance and economics are improved. Industry leaders are looking to work closely with Government to alleviate the impact of the economic downturn. The BWEA's Budget Submission sets out a range of actions that could be taken to reduce risk in our sector and encourage bank lending. Specifically it calls for Government to:
    • Underwrite floor prices in Power Purchase Agreements: Government would essentially be taking the role of insurer of agreements signed between generators and suppliers, removing price risk and giving greater security to lenders.
    This would assist both onshore and offshore schemes, but would be particularly helpful for the onshore sector which is heavily dependent on bank-led project finance. BWEA also proposes three policy options specifically for offshore schemes from which Government should choose:
    • Socialising offshore grid costs: Relieving developers of the cost of the offshore grid would have significant cost benefits, and is done in other offshore markets, most notably Germany. This could be done without the use of Government funds by retaining the competitive offshore transmission regime but socialising the payment of transmission charges across all grid users, rather than just the project developers directly involved.
    • Direct Capital Relief: A programme of capital grants or carefully designed Enhanced Capital Allowances would effectively 'buy down' the recent cost increases and make projects cost effective.
    • Increasing the offshore ROC multiple: An emergency review of the ROC multiple for offshore wind to increase its value from the newly introduced 1.5 ROCs per MWh.
    McCaffery said "The fundamental economics of wind remain sound, and in the longer term commodity prices are likely to continue to fall, while increased competition in the supply chain will also bear down on prices. However, today, assistance is needed to help overcome a once in a generation economic downturn affecting the wind and marine energy sectors." For further information: Charles Anglin - Director of Communications (020 7901 3010) c.anglin@renewable-uk.com Nick Medic - Communications Manager (020 7901 3013) n.medic@renewable-uk.com Dr Gordon Edge - Director of Economics & Markets (020 7901 3027) g.edge@renewable-uk.com Notes to Editors: The British Wind Energy Association is the trade body for the UK wind and marine renewables industries. Formed in 1978, and with 478 corporate members, BWEA is the leading renewable energy trade association in the UK. Wind has been the world's fastest growing renewable energy source for the last seven years, and this trend is expected to continue with falling costs of wind energy and the urgent international need to tackle CO2 emissions to prevent climate change. BWEA has conducted a survey of onshore wind farm developers. The survey reveals that although the utility companies are generally managing to maintain the timescales for their portfolio of projects, independent developers, who are dependent on bank-led financing are struggling. A number of marginal schemes are being dropped due to the devaluation of the £ against the €, while others are being delayed until next year because of the lack of credit. The rate of submissions of new planning applications has also significantly dropped in the last 6 months. Amount of wind farm capacity according to status, rounded to the nearest gigawatt (GW), in the UK currently: operational - 3GW; consented or under construction - 9GW; in the planning system - 8GW. Overall, this adds to over 20GW of wind capacity in the system, which if all delivered would take the UK, nearly 2/3 of the way to delivering the wind's portion - estimated at 33GW - of the EU 2020 target. Power Purchase Agreements are the contracts signed between developers and the consumer supply companies to buy renewable electricity at an agreed price for a fixed period of time. These agreements are used by the developers to underpin the repayment of their bank loans. PPAs are based on a 'bundle' of the electricity price, Renewable Obligation Certificates and Levy Exemption Certificates. Supply companies often offer a floor price for this bundle though this is done at some cost to the developer. Govern­ment could perform the same role for a lower cost, reducing risks and thus allowing more banks to lend, and each bank to lend more. This could be an insurance-type product, with Government taking a premium in return for stepping in to make up the difference in revenue between the bundle price paid by the supplier and the floor price, should the bundle drop below the floor. The UK's offshore wind sector has been developed through a series of tender rounds. Round 1 took place in 2001, Round 2 in 2003, while Round 3 is currently underway. Together Rounds 1 & 2 identified 8GW worth of potential sites. Round 3 is expected to deliver up to a further 25GW of sites. Because of the long lead-in time for developing onshore wind most Round 2 sites have only recently received planning permission and are now currently seeking financial close. For many of these the financial figures they are considering have changed significantly since the projects were first considered. Round 2 offshore projects likely to reach a financial close in the near future include:
    SchemeMW capacity Developer
    Gwynt y Mor750RWE Innogy
    Lincs250 Centrica
    London Array1000Dong/E.on
    Walney450Dong
    West of Duddon Sands500Dong/ScottishPower/Eurus Energy
    The BWEA Budget submission also contains a number of policy recommendations on other issues, including:
    • measures to tackle the non financial obstacles faced by wind energy, such as the delays in the planning system and finding a technical solution to aviation objections.
    • a co-ordinated effort to take ad­vantage of the manufacturing opportunities presented by the growth of offshore wind. Growing a UK based supply chain by attracting both foreign based manufacturers here and existing UK companies into the wind market. Tackling the skills gap through streamlined funding for colleges, uni­versities and research institutions.
    • filling the gap between current support for demonstration wave & tidal schemes and 2ROCs per MWh com­mercial support with an interim capital support mechanism, such as ECAs.
    • providing match funding sup­port for small wind systems through the standards testing proc­ess, possibly by using unspent funds from the LCBP.
    ]]>     http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/government_action_needed_to_ke.html http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/government_action_needed_to_ke.html Wed, 08 Apr 2009 16:05:12 +0000     Export markets open for small wind systems Current economic climate stimulates growth for UK small wind industry BWEA, UK's leading renewable energy association, indicated today that the export segment of the UK small wind sector is reporting stronger growth due to weakened pound and increase in demand from abroad. The figures due to be released in full at the International Small Wind Conference on 22nd April, organised by BWEA and the Building Research Establishment (BRE), show a doubling of export revenues compared to 2007. The news follow this week's announcement on the increase in financial support for electricity generated by micro and small wind turbines installed in the UK. From 1st of April electricity generated by small turbines qualifies for 2 ROC's. Alex Murley, BWEA Small Systems Manager: "The small wind sector is demonstrating that the UK can have a world leading low carbon industry. UK small wind system manufacturers have consistently shown that they can compete in world markets. What we need now is action to increase deployment in the UK." Currently, small wind systems account for over 20 Megawatts of installed wind capacity in the UK. However, according to BWEA estimates the potential of the sector is to deliver 1.3 gigawatts of capacity by 2020, given the right level of policy support. The BWEA's second Small Wind Systems UK Market Report is expected to announce continued strong growth for the sector in the UK and in the export markets. Since 2005 UK small systems manufacturers have exported over 10 000 small turbines. "History has shown us that countries like Spain, Denmark, and Germany have vibrant large wind turbine manufacturing industries, because their respective governments supported indigenous markets at an early stage. If sufficiently supported now, the emerging UK small wind industry could supply rapidly expanding world markets for decades to come, delivering UK based jobs, environmental and lucrative economic benefits," concluded Murley. For more information please contact Alex Murley, BWEA Small Systems Manager on 07772 640 141 or at a.murley@renewable-uk.com or Nick Medic, BWEA Communications Manager on 0207 689 1935/07792 462719 or at n.medic@renewable-uk.com. NOTES: 1. On the 22nd of April 2009 BWEA and BRE will jointly host the inaugural International Small Wind Conference. Fort more details visit www.iswc2009.com. 2. The British Wind Energy Association is the trade and professional body for the UK wind and marine renewables industries. Formed in 1978, and with 461 corporate members, BWEA is the leading renewable energy trade association in the UK.]]> http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/export_markets_open_for_small.html http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/export_markets_open_for_small.html Small Systems Fri, 03 Apr 2009 15:55:24 +0000 BWEA aviation fund to free up wind energy projects Wind to power up a further 2.5 million homes once aviation issues resolved BWEA, the UK's leading renewable energy association, announced today a major development in overcoming aviation objections to wind farm developments. Currently, 4700 Megawatts worth of renewable wind energy projects are held up in the planning system due to military and civil aviation concerns. Working with member companies, BWEA has built up an industry fund of £3.2 million, which will be invested in advanced technologies designed to solve issues such as wind turbine interference with radar. Maria McCaffery, BWEA Chief Executive, said: "The Aviation Fund shows the wind industry's commitment to resolve aviation objections as a barrier to further wind energy deployment. We have brought key parties to the table and have progressed negotiations from a Memorandum of Understanding last year, to the establishment of a fund management company to administer and oversee deployment of the funds raised." In June 2008 the wind sector and major stakeholders with an interest in aviation issues such as the Ministry of Defence and NATS En Route, signed a Memorandum of Understanding setting out how Government and industry will work together to overcome radar challenges. The initiative follows senior politicians, including Gordon Brown, insisting on a more 'joined up' approach to wind energy deployment. The Aviation Investment Fund Company Ltd (AIFC) will look at R&D solutions to the problem of wind turbines being detected on radar displays. When rotating, wind turbine blades show up on radar displays, which is of concern to both military and civil radar operators. The AIFC has already identified a number of mitigation technologies likely to yield a solution. The investors into AIFC have collectively pledged up to £3.2M into the central fund, and the Board held its first meeting on 11 March. The first companies to step forward are Airtricity, Banks Developments, E.ON Climate & Renewables, EDF Energy Renewables, Ecotricity, Falck Renewables, Novera Energy Plc, RES UK & Ireland, RWE Npower Renewables, ScottishPower Renewables, Vattenfall, West Coast Energy, Wind Prospect and Your Energy. It is hoped other companies with current or future potential wind farm aviation issues will come on board to help finance solutions that will benefit the industry as a whole. Simon Christian, Chair of the AIFC Board and Project Development Director at ScottishPower Renewables, said: "Creating this aviation fund is a tremendous effort by wind farm developers in the current economic climate. We now look forward to funding new and innovative technologies to overcome aviation planning objections to ensure the timely delivery of renewable energy projects to meet Government climate change targets." Maria McCaffery, BWEA Chief Executive, said: "The industry has delivered on its part of the bargain. We look forward to building upon the excellent early progress and remain hopeful that the relevant Government and public stakeholders will play their part as well. We are now calling on the Government to financially back up our initiative." For more information please contact: Charles Anglin, BWEA Director of Communications on 0207 689 1966 or at c.anglin@renewable-uk.com Nick Medic, BWEA Communications Manager on 0207 689 1935 or at n.medic@renewable-uk.com Notes: 1. The British Wind Energy Association is the trade and professional body for the UK wind and marine renewables industries. Formed in 1978, and with over corporate members, BWEA is the leading renewable energy trade association in the UK. Wind has been the world's fastest growing renewable energy source for the last seven years, and this trend is expected to continue with falling costs of wind energy and the urgent international need to tackle CO2 emissions to prevent climate change. 2. Further information on the Aviation Memorandum of Understanding and governance structure can be found on the DECC website: http://www.berr.gov.uk/energy/sources/renewables/planning/onshore-wind/aeronautical/page18755.html ]]> http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/bwea_aviation_fund_to_free_up.html http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/bwea_aviation_fund_to_free_up.html Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:57:10 +0000 BWEA welcomes RSPB report RSPB calls on government to increase commitment to onshore wind BWEA, the UK's leading renewable energy association, welcomed today RSPB's "Positive Planning for Onshore Wind" report, which sets out how to significantly expand UK's onshore wind capacity. Evidence shows that it is possible to develop onshore wind farms, without damage to wildlife. Maria McCaffery, Chief Executive of BWEA said: "Research on wind farms has consistently shown that wind turbines have a minimal impact on wildlife. On the other hand, it is now beyond doubt that climate change could have a devastating impact on bird habitats, if we don't act soon. RSPB's call for a step change in onshore wind deployment is timely and well judged." The report recognises that as a part of a wider mix of renewables, a significant increase in onshore wind capacity, meaning a greater number of turbines, will have to be deployed in order for the UK to meet its objectives under the EU 2020 targets on renewable energy. The report emphasises that the Government must ensure the national and local planning process is well resourced, in order to handle an increase in the number and scale of renewable energy projects. BWEA also pointed out that the issue of spatial planning raised in the report must not be used as an excuse to tangle wind farm applications in red tape. "BWEA feels it is important that the RSPB report is followed with action on the ground. Government now needs to provide better resourcing for local authorities to deal with wind farm planning applications," concluded McCaffery. For more information please contact: Charles Anglin, BWEA Director of Communications, on 020 7689 1966 / 07956 859 749 or c.anglin@renewable-uk.com Nick Medic, BWEA Communications Manager, 0207 689 1935 / 07792 462 719 or n.medic@renewable-uk.com Notes to editors: The British Wind Energy Association is the trade and professional body for the UK wind and marine renewables industries. Formed in 1978, and with 453 corporate members, BWEA is the leading renewable energy trade association in the UK. Wind has been the world's fastest growing renewable energy source for the last seven years, and this trend is expected to continue with falling costs of wind energy and the urgent international need to tackle CO2 emissions to prevent climate change. The copy of the RSPB report can be seen here: http://www.rspb.org.uk/news/details.asp?id=tcm:9-213213 ]]> http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/bwea_welcomes_rspb_report.html http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/bwea_welcomes_rspb_report.html Tue, 24 Mar 2009 15:11:59 +0000 PM's announcement backs BWEA findings Wind, wave and tidal energy will create jobs BWEA, UK's leading renewable energy trade association, welcomed the Prime Minister's endorsement today of the enormous potential of renewable energy to create employment in the UK. Studies published by BWEA in October 2008, concluded that wind, wave and tidal energy projects could drive job creation and stimulate sectors of the economy crucial to delivering the country's 2020 renewable energy targets. Maria McCaffery, BWEA Chief Executive, said: "The research we conducted in 2008 gave us a clear indication that wind, wave and tidal energy will become an economic powerhouse not only in terms of energy output, but in terms of employment and the beneficial effect on related sectors. We are delighted that the Prime Minister has now recognised this and are looking forward to concrete measures to bring this about." The report commissioned by BWEA from Bain and Co. in late 2008 reiterated that "the wind industry is now established as one of the highest-growth industries in Europe, growing at an average rate of 12 percent over the last 5 years." The conclusions of the report also urged policy makers not to repeat the mistakes of the early phase of development, when the UK was not agile enough in securing sector jobs domestically. The accompanying report delivered by SQW went even further in surveying the skills landscape, in terms of what skills will be in demand, and how potential skills shortages will be resolved. "In these difficult economic times there is a sense that renewable energy is the way forward. Wind energy in the UK has yet to be developed to its full potential, so that the country as a whole can benefit. We welcome the Prime Minister's announcement, which chimes with what the BWEA has been saying for years - it is now important for the Government to follow up words with actions," concluded McCaffery. For more information please contact: Charles Anglin, BWEA Director of Communications, on 020 7689 1966 / 07956 859 749 or c.anglin@renewable-uk.com Nick Medic, BWEA Communications Manager, 0207 689 1935 / 07792 462 719 or n.medic@renewable-uk.com ]]> http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/pms_announcement_backs_bwea_fi.html http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/pms_announcement_backs_bwea_fi.html Fri, 06 Mar 2009 09:24:45 +0000 BWEA holds first parliamentary reception On 21 January BWEA held their first parliamentary reception of 2009, sponsored by Vestas. Huw Irranca-Davies MP, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary at Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, who has Ministerial responsibility for the Marine bill, talked about the importance of balancing sustainable development with conservation, and ensuring the seas continue to be used in a sustainable way. Matthew Delany, Policy Advisor for the UK & Ireland at Vestas spoke about the critical need for the Government to 'step in, take leadership and offset the investor risk created by the recession.' They were introduced by Adam Bruce, Global Head of Corporate Affairs for Mainstream Renewable Power and Chairman of BWEA. Jennifer Webber Public Affairs manager at BWEA said: "The night was a great success, with members, parliamentarians and stakeholders networking for several hours. We were delighted that on a busy night in Westminster we received several Ministers and Shadow Ministers, including Rt Hon Stephen Timms MP, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Richard Benyon MP, Shadow Marine Minister, and Lord Teverson, Climate Change Spokesperson and Whip for the Liberal Democrats. As well as that we saw a host of officials and stakeholders. We were delighted to kick off the first reception so well, with great speeches from the Minister and Matthew Delany, and are already looking forward to next year's event". Matthew Delany said: "For Vestas, sponsoring this inaugural parliamentary reception was a reflection not only of our commitment to delivering wind power in the UK, but also our continual collaboration with the British Wind Energy Association and UK Government. It was a privilege to be able to address so many prominent politicians, and utilize the occasion to push through Vestas' and the industry's thoughts on the Marine Bill to the Minister. I hope the parliamentary reception becomes a regular annual event - it was a great success!"]]> http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/bwea_holds_first_parliamentary.html http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/bwea_holds_first_parliamentary.html Fri, 30 Jan 2009 14:47:42 +0000 Big day for offshore renewables Two environmental assessments show 'huge scope for development' BWEA, UK's leading renewables trade association, welcomed the two key Government announcements published today, as a decisive development towards powering up every home in the UK with wind, wave or tidal energy. The two announcements are the study on locations for future offshore energy developments, which identified scope for between 5,000 and 7,000 more offshore wind turbines, and the study on the Severn Barrage, which shortlisted 5 projects with the potential to supply up to 5% of UK's electricity consumption. The conclusion of the UK Offshore Energy Strategic Environmental Assessment states that 'there are no overriding environmental considerations to prevent the achievement of the offshore...wind elements of the programme.' Maria McCaffery, BWEA Chief Executive, said: "The two studies published today confirm what the BWEA has been saying since UK's renewable energy targets were published in January 2008: there is enough potential for wind, wave and tidal to supply every UK household with electricity - and then some." The Department of Energy and Climate Change minister Ed Miliband said in his statement that 'in terms of electricity, offshore wind power could potentially make the single biggest contribution to our 2020 renewable energy target,' while also announcing £500,000 in funding 'to further develop embryonic technologies like tidal reefs and fences' in the Severn Barrage. "There should be a clear sense of urgency regarding the offshore renewables roll out programme. We now know that any potential environmental impacts of offshore renewables will be greatly outweighed by the benefits of harnessing sustainable forms of energy. The industry received a powerful signal today that we are on the right track. The Government now has to act decisively to remove other obstacles hampering the growth of the wind, wave and tidal sectors," said McCaffery. For more information please contact: Charles Anglin, BWEA Director of Communications, on 020 7689 1966 / 07956 859 749 or c.anglin@renewable-uk.com Nick Medic, BWEA Communications Manager, 0207 689 1935 / 07977 019 933 or n.medic@renewable-uk.com Notes:
    • The British Wind Energy Association is the trade and professional body for the UK wind and marine renewables industries. Formed in 1978, and with over corporate members, BWEA is the leading renewable energy trade association in the UK. Wind has been the world's fastest growing renewable energy source for the last seven years, and this trend is expected to continue with falling costs of wind energy and the urgent international need to tackle CO2 emissions to prevent climate change.
    • For more information on the UK Offshore Energy Strategic Environmental Assessment see here: http://www.offshore-sea.org.uk/consultations/Offshore_Energy_SEA/OES_Environmental_Report.pdf
    • For more information on the proposed Severn Barrage projects see here http://www.decc.gov.uk/severntidalpowerconsultation
    ]]>     http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/big_day_for_offshore_renewable.html http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/big_day_for_offshore_renewable.html Mon, 26 Jan 2009 12:58:34 +0000     Cameron's green economy plan 'recognises need for energy revolution' BWEA welcomes Conservative proposals for decarbonising the economy as positive step forward. BWEA, the UK's leading renewable energy association, welcomed proposals announced today by David Cameron for a low carbon economy as a serious contribution to the debate on Britain's future strategic energy policy. BWEA Chairman Adam Bruce said "These proposals recognise that a massive expansion of wind, wave and tidal power is vital to decarbonising the UK economy. Bruce added "The Conservative plans recognise that moving to a green economy will create jobs, secure our energy supplies and tackle climate change. Britain needs a green energy revolution that delivers security of supply and better management of demand. Today's announcement is a positive step towards what will be a transformational event in UK energy policy." Wind, wave and tidal energy will play a vital role in decarbonising the economy. To reach the 2020 target of generating 15% of all the UK's energy from renewables, between 35 to 40% of our electricity will have to come from renewables, which in turn means having 33 to 35GW of installed wind capacity. To go further and fully decarbonise the economy will require even greater amounts of renewable production - including harnessing Britain's huge wave and tidal power resource, as well as radical reform of our grid infrastructure. BWEA welcomes the Conservative proposals - especially the calls for:
    • A 'smart grid' with 'smart meter' technology for households & businesses.
    • Support for a vast expansion of offshore wind with new incentives to build the necessary sub-sea grid network.
    • Fast track planning for a number of offshore parks for wave and tidal energy
    . The BWEA looks forward to working with the Conservative party over the coming months to flesh out some of their proposals, as well as working through some areas not covered in the Report, particularly the current and future contribution of onshore wind generation. There is currently 7GW of onshore schemes in the planning system in the UK, much of these with Conservative councils, which if approved could save nearly 8 million tonnes of CO2 a year. We will not achieve our existing ambitious targets for 2020, or these new aspirations for 2050 without every available source of renewable energy supply. Interviews are available with BWEA ... For more information please contact: Charles Anglin, Director of Communications BWEA, on 020 7689 1966 / 0774 002 3641 or c.anglin@renewable-uk.com Gordon Edge, Director of Economics & Markets, on 020 7689 1967 /07816 830 180 or g.edge@renewable-uk.com Notes to Editors
    • British Wind Energy Association is the trade and professional body for the UK wind and marine renewables industries. Formed in 1978, and with 461 corporate members, BWEA is the leading renewable energy trade association in the UK. Wind has been the world's fastest growing renewable energy source for the last seven years, and this trend is expected to continue with falling costs of wind energy and the urgent international need to tackle CO2 emissions to prevent climate change.
    • There are currently 6,854 MW worth of onshore wind farm schemes waiting for planning permission, if they were all approved they would save 7745294.24 tonnes per annum of CO2.
    ]]>     http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/camerons_green_economy_plan_re.html http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/camerons_green_economy_plan_re.html Fri, 16 Jan 2009 15:47:09 +0000     Location, location: proper turbine placement key to viability Wind trials confirm importance of good sites for small wind systems BWEA, UK's leading renewable energy trade association, reiterated the importance of site assessment in deploying small wind systems, following yesterday's launch of the Encraft Warwick Wind Trial report. Commenting on the report Alex Murley, BWEA Small Systems Manager said: "The results show that turbines need to be placed in environments that offer good wind speeds. The UK is the windiest country in Europe and there are thousands of such sites, many of which have been used to good effect and offer owners of small wind systems not just savings on their electricity bills, but an opportunity to export surplus energy to the grid." The majority of the turbines in the Warwick report were monitored in an urban environment known to offer, on average, lower electricity yields than rural open spaces. Wind system installers and small wind systems suppliers recommend that on-site wind speed data and careful measurements are taken over a period of time prior to installation. The trial showed that despite installer and customer optimism, only 5 of the 26 sites where turbines were monitored have an annual average wind speed of over 5 m/s, considered a lower limit of commercial viability. As the trial demonstrates, the national wind speed database (NOABL), a UK Government webtool often used to predict onsite wind resource, can systematically overstate wind speeds in urban areas by 40-75% and potentially exaggerate turbine outputs by a factor of 8 or more if used simplistically. Murley added: "Over the last three years BWEA has developed robust industry standards for both products and installers, to better educate would-be consumers on what the technology can achieve, if sited and installed correctly. The overwhelming majority of small wind system installations are a success - when they are sited properly they save money and energy. The Warwick trials do not show that small wind is not viable. We know that it is, and the experience of thousands of UK users bears this out." The UK leads the world in the manufacture of micro and small-wind turbines, exporting 40% of product to over 100 countries. BWEA called on the Government to support further growth of the sector by urgently addressing the planning system which is preventing thousands of UK households and businesses from generating their own clean green energy. For more information please contact:
    • Alex Murley, BWEA Small Systems Manager on 0207 288 8372 or on 07772 640 141, e-mail: alex@renewable-uk.com
    • Charles Anglin, BWEA Director of Communications on 0207 689 1966 or on 07740 023 641, e-mail: charles@renewable-uk.com
    • Nick Medic, BWEA Communications Manager on 0207 689 1935 or on 07792 462 719, e-mail: nick@renewable-uk.com
    Notes to editors The British Wind Energy Association is the trade and professional body for the UK wind and marine renewables industries. Formed in 1978, and with 453 corporate members, BWEA is the leading renewable energy trade association in the UK. Wind has been the world's fastest growing renewable energy source for the last seven years, and this trend is expected to continue with falling costs of wind energy and the urgent international need to tackle CO2 emissions to prevent climate change. The UK small and micro wind systems sector has been growing at an annual rate of 80%. The BWEA's first annual small systems market report shows that growth will continue into 2009 and 2010. For a copy go here: www.bwea.com/pdf/small/BWEA_SWS_UK_Market_Report_2008.pdf The trial results are available here http://www.warwickwindtrials.org.uk/ ]]>     http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/location_location_proper_turbi.html http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/location_location_proper_turbi.html Small Systems Wed, 14 Jan 2009 09:45:44 +0000     UK Has Unique Opportunity To Develop World Class Marine Legislation Renewable energy interests must be protected offshore BWEA, UK's wind, wave and tidal association, today welcomed the inclusion of the Marine and Coastal Access Bill into the Queen's Speech, but cautioned that renewable energy interests must be protected in final legislation. The Bill promises greater confidence and economic benefits for marine developers through simplification of the legislative framework. It should help balance the interest of all the users of the marine environment, from conservation to renewable energy by promoting sustainable development. Maria McCaffery MBE, Chief Executive of the BWEA: "The Marine and Coastal Access Bill is a pioneering piece of legislation, but we must ensure that it allows for the expansion of marine renewable energy, including offshore wind, wave and tidal." While BWEA recognises the scope and ambition of the Government's long awaited Marine Bill, it has also raised 4 issues:
    • the timetable of the Bill must be complementary with the Round 3 offshore wind energy delivery process;
    • the Marine Management Organisation must be fit for the purpose: well resourced and with sustainable development clearly defined within its remit;
    • Marine Policy Statements must explicitly include renewable energy targets.
    • The new network of Marine Conservation Zones should be designated by the new MMO, as is proposed in the legislation being considered in Scotland. The designation process must consider the impact on all future use in terms of renewable energy developments
    "The Marine and Coastal Access Bill has been long time coming. We will be the first country in the world to have such legislation. We must get it right," added McCaffery. "It would be a pyrrhic victory if short term conservation undermined long term sustainability and our ability to tackle climate change". Also of interest to the renewables sector was the Education and Skills Bill, particularly the provisions to create a new National Apprenticeships Service and secure a demand-led adult skills system, driven by learners and employers. The industry hopes the Bill will help alleviate skills shortages in the renewable energy sector. For more information please contact: Charles Anglin, BWEA Director of Communications, on 020 7689 1966 / 07956 859 749 or c.anglin@renewable-uk.com Nick Medic, BWEA Communications Manager, 0207 689 1935 / 07977 019 933 or n.medic@renewable-uk.com Notes: The British Wind Energy Association is the trade and professional body for the UK wind and marine renewables industries. Formed in 1978, and with 453 corporate members, BWEA is the leading renewable energy trade association in the UK. Wind has been the world's fastest growing renewable energy source for the last seven years, and this trend is expected to continue with falling costs of wind energy and the urgent international need to tackle CO2 emissions to prevent climate change.]]>     http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/uk_has_unique_opportunity_to_d.html http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/uk_has_unique_opportunity_to_d.html Fri, 05 Dec 2008 10:50:16 +0000