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BWEA Press Release

Wednesday 16th February 2005

Public embrace wind power on day Kyoto comes into force

BWEA launches new 'Wind Tracker'

On the day the Kyoto Protocol comes into force the British Wind Energy Association (BWEA) launches a new 'Wind Tracker' showing that public support for the expansion of wind energy has reached an all-time high. The tracker, conducted by NOP World, shows that a growing majority of the British public (79%) think that wind farms are necessary to help meet current and future energy needs in the UK – a rise of 5% in just 5 months.

BWEA today also releases new data showing that 2005 will be a record-breaking one for the UK wind industry as it powers towards meeting the bulk of the Government's 10% by 2010 renewables target - a key plank in achieving the country's Kyoto commitments. This year the industry will build 18 new wind power schemes, representing a 66% increase in current generation, or enough extra clean green electricity to meet the needs of a third of a million homes –every household in Manchester, twice.

The Kyoto Protocol calls for a reduction in emissions of 6 greenhouse gases including carbon dioxide from each of the signatory countries. The UK Government has put in place an additional target, recently revised to a 14% cut in carbon dioxide emissions by 2010 compared to 1990 levels. About one third of all CO2 emitted in the UK comes from fossil fuelled power generation: electricity from wind power and other renewables will therefore be essential for this country to meet its targets on taking action on climate change.

The 'Wind Tracker', conducted by NOP World, shows a rise of 5% since August 2004 when the figure was already an impressive 74%. Numerous high profile champions, including Chris Tarrant, have added their names to the thousands of others who have embraced wind at www.embracewind.com. The latest champion to publicly back wind power is ITN's weather expert Sian Lloyd:

"Recent dramatic weather events such as the floods in Carlisle and Boscastle are a stark reminder that nature can only take so much. Climate change is a reality and we must act now if we are to stop the damage we are doing to our fragile planet. Wind is the best of the new renewable energy sources available right now. I for one am backing wind energy and I know I'm not alone."

BWEA spokesperson Alison Hill said:

"The coming into force of Kyoto is a truly historic moment as it sets us on a path to achieving the widespread use of carbon free energy. Wind and other renewable power sources will be at the heart of our nation's move away from fossil fuels as we begin to take action on climate change. The fact that public support for wind is increasing is great news. With an election around the corner this sends a strong message to our politicians that backing renewables is not only the right economic and environmental thing to do, it also makes good political sense."

Notes to Editors:

'Wind Tracker' conducted by NOP World

The 'Wind Tracker' is a survey of public opinion to wind energy in Great Britain, conducted by leading independent research company, NOP World on behalf of BWEA, and governed by MRS Codes of Conduct

The tracker was first undertaken in August 2004, interviewing 1000 adults, 15+. A second survey was conducted in January 2005 interviewing 999 adults 15+. Both surveys used a quota sample generating a representative sample of adults 15+ throughout Great Britain.

The 'Wind Tracker' will be conducted at regular intervals throughout the year, with future results to be published bi-annually.

See www.bwea.com/ref/windtracker.html for further information

Record year for UK wind industry

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.

See www.bwea.com/ukwed/ for further details

BWEA is the professional association championing the UK wind and marine renewables industry, representing 315 companies active in the sector.

Embrace the Revolution is a campaign from the British Wind Energy Association to unite those in favour of wind energy and challenge the myths that wind farms are unpopular. 15 celebrity champions and over 12,500 members of the public have already signed up to show their support for wind power.

See www.embracewind.com