• Onshore wind
• Offshore wind
• Wave & tidal
• Small wind systems
• Aviation
• Wales
• Wind farms in the UK
• Health & Safety
• Events
• Publications
• Latest news
• Jobs
• Membership
• Company Directory
• Members Area

BWEA Press Release

Friday 29th April 2005

Embracing the power of small wind systems

Over 200 delegates, ranging from small wind turbine manufacturers and suppliers to Local Authorities, Government bodies and large commercial organisations gathered yesterday to embrace small scale wind at the "Wind Power - Small Scale and Building Integrated" conference and exhibition. The event, the first in a series dedicated to small scale renewable energy, was organised by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) and supported by the British Wind Energy Association.

Small wind systems first appeared in the UK over a quarter of a century ago with installations operational over the past decade. However, following the rapid development in new technology solutions, significant public interest and increased policy support from Local Authorities through to Government, small scale wind is now set to achieve mainstream status as one of the most exciting renewable markets of our time.

Microgeneration, including small scale wind, meets all four of the UK Government's energy policy goals; reducing carbon emissions; improving security of supply; improving fuel poverty and providing competitive electricity markets. Not only has the publication of the Planning Policy Statement 22 in July 2004 given Local Authorities powers to require small scale renewable energy in certain developments, but the Government is set to launch a Microgeneration Strategy consultation this year.

Despite all this support, several issues will have to be resolved before small scale wind can be installed in large numbers. The BRE conference addressed most of these, including industry wide technical standards and Health & Safety; planning guidance; long term finance and grants; regulatory issues such as access to local authority networks, ROCs and exporting of electricity.

Marcus Rand, CEO of BWEA, speaking at the event commented:

"We are entering a fantastically exciting time in small wind. The technology is becoming more talked about both in the public and political agenda and we see more people wanting to install their own wind turbines. This sector of the wind industry is vital in our climate change and energy security targets since demand for small wind can potentially be enormous. However, there are still challenges ahead, particularly those of finance, regulation, planning and technical standards. By working together and encouraging innovative thinking the industry, stakeholders and Government can get this right, drive the market and get those much wanted economies of scale."

Notes to Editors

Established in 1978, BWEA is the largest renewable energy trade association in the UK, with over 320 companies in membership. BWEA champions the UK's wind energy industry and the emerging marine renewables sector. With 14 members of staff, BWEA is the professional body for the UK wind industry, and acts as a central point of information for members, Government, business, media and the public alike.

BWEA has published a briefing sheet on small wind energy systems which can be freely downloaded from http://www.bwea.com/energy/small_wind.pdf, and has recently established a Small Systems Focus Group from among its members, including small system manufacturers, installers and energy suppliers, to feed into the wider work of the Association.

More information on the Building Research Establishment can be found at http://www.bre.co.uk