RenewableUK produces a range of publications, reports and consultation responses on the core issues related to the wind energy and marine renewables industries. Most of RenewableUK's publications and consultation responses are available to download online from these pages. In addition, RenewableUK has also collated a number of links to external publications which report on the developments in the UK, European and global wind energy and marine renewables markets.
Selected RenewableUK reports and studies
Small Wind: Planning Guidance
This good practice guide for the deployment of small wind turbines has been produced by RenewableUK and its members to provide clear and practical advice to stakeholders and the industry on matters associated with small wind turbines. It is written in the hope that standardised practice will promote greater consistency of approach and aid the transparency of the planning process for all concerned.
Good Practice Guide
Appendices
Consenting Lessons Learned
An offshore wind industry review of past concerns, lessons learned and future challenges.
View report ...
State of the Industry 2011
The State of the Industry report 2010/11 examines deployment levels, rates of planning approvals and levels of project finance for onshore and offshore wind. It also examines developments in Government policy and assesses what the future may hold for the industry
View report ...
Working for a Green Britain Vol 2
RenewableUK and Energy & Utility Skills have published a new report demonstrating the employment potential of the UK's wind and marine energy sector by 2021. The study, "Working for a Green Britain Vol 2", outlines three possible market development scenarios (high growth, medium and low) in the wind, wave and tidal energy industries – if sufficient skilled recruits are available to employers.
View report ...
Offshore Wind: Forecasts of future costs and benefits
Offshore wind is now widely accepted as the central focus of the UK's plans to increase the amount of energy it produces from renewable sources over the next decade. This study looks at the whole-life costs of offshore wind projects forecast to be built up to 2022 with a focus on how these costs will change over four-yearly periods.
View study ...
International Comparisons: Turbine Densities and Capacity Factors
By examining deployment densities per unit of landmass across the European Union this paper shows that the UK's wind resource is massively underutilised in comparison to many of our EU neighbours, with countries with greater population densities or smaller land areas (or both) hosting many times more turbines per 100 km/sq than the UK.
View study ...
Options for GB electricity transmission charging arrangements
Study by Pöyry Management Consulting, providing an in depth examination of a representative range of potential new GB transmission charging options. The study illustrates how each option would address the different "stresses" identified under the current charging regime, and clarifies how charging methodologies will align with the different low carbon policy goals.
View study ...
RenewableUK Position Paper: Inertia
This paper examines Inertial response, and calls for the needs case for Inertia to be established and agreed across the whole industry, taking account of the levels of Inertia being provided within the system at present and properly establishing its impact on system operational costs and stability. We advocate for Inertia to be provided by an ancillary services market and not by a Grid Code requirement (either as an obligation or as a capability).
View report ...
RenewableUK Cymru Manifesto
The manifesto calls for clear leadership to be shown by the next Welsh Government as they try to reach renewable energy targets and reduce harmful emissions.
View manifesto:
English version
Welsh version
Small Wind Systems: UK Market Report
This report examines the current size of the small wind system sector in the UK, provides commentary on the current dynamics of the UK domestic and export market and explores some of the key opportunities and challenges to future market development.
View report ...
Wave and Tidal Energy in the UK: State of the Industry Report
This report sets out the latest statistics for the UK's wave and tidal energy sector and offers projections for future growth such as a potential rise to 19,500 jobs by 2035. The proceeding Technology Index (page 32) looks at the wealth of existing wave and tidal technology, with the help of the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC).
View report ...
Rebirth of UK Manufacturing: Volume 2
This report highlights the unprecedented opportunities offered by the wind industry for job creation and economic growth in the UK. Large and small companies are manufacturing turbines for more than 100 countries worldwide. The wind industry is playing a significant role in rebuilding the UK's manufacturing base. That role is constantly expanding as the UK consolidates its position as the world leader in the offshore wind sector.
View report ...
Community Benefits Protocol
This document sets out the Community Benefits Protocol, developed by RenewableUK in consultation with central, local government and wider stakeholders. Community benefits schemes are a well established and integral part of onshore wind energy developments and representative of the positive relationship between a developer and the local community.
View report ...
Working for a Green Britain
This report communicates the findings of the first phase of research, focused on identifying current employment and skills in 2010 and reflecting on how employment has grown as the wind and marine energy industries have developed over recent years.
View report ...
Health & Safety: Lifts in Wind Turbines
RenewableUK recognises its responsibility to take a lead on Health & Safety matters as they relate to the risks particular to the renewable energy sector. This briefing sets out a background to the issues and their relevance to the wind industry; legal opinion on principal issues concerned with respect to addressing compliance with the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC with respect to lifts; A commentary by RenewableUK on the issues concerned; and Good practice advice about managing access/lift safety.
View report ...
State of the Industry Report 2010
The year 2009-2010 saw the industry pass 5GW of installed capacity. This report examines the progress made on and offshore in the UK this year, and looks forward to possible scenarios for 2011.
View report ...
Channelling the Energy Report
A Way Forward for the UK Wave & Tidal Industry Towards 2020
View report ...
Wind Turbine Syndrome
RenewableUK's own initial asssessment of the alleged Wind Turbine Syndrome (WTS) concluded there was no scientific basis or available evidence to support its existence. However, as a reponsible trade body with a firm commitment to Health & Safety issues we must be confident we have presented a fair, accurate assessment. This briefing has been prepared in response to the profile and media attention given to the alleged condition and includes the conclusions on three independent experts on the available evidence on WTS.
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RenewableUK Wave and Tidal Report 2010
This report has been produced by Entec to provide RenewableUK with an independent review of the current status of the marine renewable energy industry in the UK. The report estimates the cost of energy for wave and tidal stream devices and examines the issues that need to be addressed in order to ensure commercial deployment of these devices.
View report ...
Wind Turbine Syndrome (WTS)
An independent review of the state of knowledge about the alleged health condition: Health and Safety Briefing
This briefing is in response media attention given to the alleged condition " Wind Turbine Syndrome (WTS)" that developed towards the end of 2009, surrounding Dr Pierpont's book entitled "Wind Turbine Syndrome." RenewableUK instructed three independent experts to review the evidence available on WTS. They found that that there is no evidence to suggest that the sounds from wind turbines could plausibly have direct adverse health consequences, that the scientific and epidemiological methodology and conclusions drawn are fundamentally flawed; the scientific and audiological assumptions presented by Dr Pierpont relating infrasound to WTS are wrong; and noise from wind turbines cannot contribute to the symptoms reported by Dr Pierpont's respondents.
View report ...
UK Offshore Wind: Building an Industry
Analysis and scenarios for industrial development
This report, conducted by Douglas Westwood, outlines scenarios for UK offshore wind development from 2015 to 2030. According to the report the “Healthy Industry scenario” could create at least 45,000 jobs. Crucially decisions on new factories will need to be made in the next 12-24 months if this is to be realized. In contrast the report suggests that the “Low Added Value Scenario,” which is in line with outputs from the Government's Renewable Energy Strategy, would represent a missed opportunity for the UK in terms of jobs and industrialization.
View report ...
The Economic Value of Wind to Wales
A Survey
The results of this survey, commissioned by RenewableUK Cymru, show that the wind industry currently contributes more than £158 million to the Welsh economy every year – considerably more than fishing and forestry, with almost half the businesses who responded to the survey expecting turnover to grow by up to 20% by 2012. The benefits in rural areas are set to be particularly impressive, and there is evidence that the sector offers significant employment opportunities, both highly skilled and highly waged. The average wage in the sector is now £44,000 per annum. View survey ...
Generate your own Power: Your Guide to Installing a Small Wind System
Cut your carbon footprint, reduce your bills, and make money selling the electricity you make back to the grid by installing a small wind system. This guide explains how to find the right site for your turbine, how to connect your turbine to the grid, and how to access the government's new Clean Energy Cashback scheme and get paid for the electricity you produce. View report ...
Small Wind Systems Market Report 2010
RenewableUK estimates that if barriers to market growth are addressed, by 2020 the UK small wind system sector could generate 1,700GWh (1.7TWh) annually, creating 5,800 jobs, with a market revenue size of over £750 million. This report predicts a rapid growth in the small wind systems manufacturing and installation sectors, following the successful implementation of the Feed-in Tariff this year. View report ...
The Zero Carbon Switch: Joint Manifesto for Renewables
Nine of the UK's leading renewable energy trade associations have signed up to a joint Manifesto, outlining proposals for the timely delivery of 2020 targets and urging the Government to act now on the looming energy and climate crisis. The 12 proposals would ensure that Britain delivers 15% of its energy from renewables by 2020, fulfilling its EU obligations and building a thriving 'green collar' industry sector in the process. View report ...
Rebirth of UK Manufacturing: An Opportunity for a World-class Industry
This report highlights the manufacturing opportunities in the renewables sector, with eight case studies of companies already investing in onshore and offshore wind energy manufacturing in the UK. View report ...
Budget Submission to HM Treasury, March 2010
This report contains RenewableUK's comprehensive set of proposals for the 2010 Budget, to maximise the benefit of renewable energy to the UK economy. Recommendations include: a strong case for a new state-backed finance institution to ensure sufficient capital flows to the renewable energy sector; further funds to solve aviation objections to wind power developments, and action to drive investment in the offshore wind industry supply chain. View report ...
What does the round 3 announcement mean? Briefing note on offshore wind.
8 January 2010 marked the announcement of the winners of the third tender round for offshore wind sites in the UK. These vast new offshore wind farm zones with a total capacity of 32GW could generate enough electricity to power every home in the UK and provide up to 45,000 UK jobs. View the report ... (5.12MB)
RenewableUK Manifesto 2010: Policy actions for wind, wave and tidal
By 2020 we can generate a third of the UK's power supply from renewable energy. Our manifesto sets out an ambitious agenda, outlining the steps the next government must take to lead the UK into a clean, green energy revolution. View the report...
State of the Industry Report 2009
Progress in the deployment of wind energy in 2009 has continued along the same path of growth achieved in the five years that preceded it. This report examines the progress made on and offshore in the UK this year, and looks forward to possible scenarios for 2010. Click here to view the report
Marine Report
This report has been produced by Entec to provide RenewableUK with an independent review of the current status of the marine renewable energy industry in the UK. The report estimates the cost of energy for wave and tidal stream devices and examines the issues that need to be addressed in order to ensure commercial deployment of these devices. Click here to view the report
Wind Energy in Wales
Wind Energy in Wales - State of the Industry
Ynni gwynt yng Nghymru - Cyflwr y Diwydiant
This report assesses current progress of the development of wind energy in Wales over the life span of the Welsh Assembly Government's 2005 planning
guidance. The report looks at milestones recently reached, investigates planning performance and identifies the barriers preventing delivery.
Facts on Wind: Top 7 wind farm myths dispelled
We dispel the seven most popular myths and misconceptions about wind power in our four page briefing sheet. Click here to view the report
England's Regional Renewable Energy Targets: Progress Report
BWEA has compiled a detailed review of the state of progress towards 2010 renewable energy targets adopted by the English regions and the aggregate 'English' target.
UK Offshore Wind: Staying on track
The work reported here has been undertaken under contract to arrive at a picture for the delivery of offshore wind energy capacity in the UK until 2015. This work is an update of some aspects of two prior BWEA studies – Offshore Wind: At a Crossroads and Moving Up a Gear.
UK Offshore Wind: Charting the Right Course
The offshore wind industry is an important source of future energy supply for the UK, although it is a sector which has yet to fully mature. Project roll-out in the UK has gathered pace with offshore wind build in 2009 expected to be similar to onshore wind build for the first time. Currently, the UK is also the largest global market for offshore wind.
Wind Energy in the UK: A BWEA state of the Industry Report October 2008
This 20 page document offers a comprehensive look at the past, present and future of the wind energy industry in the UK. The report opens with a summary of the progress made in the sector since the planning application for the first wind farm in Britain in 1989. It looks at the technological developments and the effect of the Renewable Obligation support mechanism, moving to major milestones and a review of the planning performance. It concludes by looking at what the future holds for deployment of renewable energy in the UK, and how much capacity we can expect online in the short and medium term.
Embrace the Revolution: Delivering 2020, Manifesto for wind, wave and tidal power
This document looks at crucial issues which need to be addressed if the UK is to deliver on the EU 2020 renewable energy targets including: grid, supply chain RADAR, planning, small systems and innovation and enterprise.
Wind, Wave and Tidal Energy: The Times Special Report
Published in The Times on 21st October 2008, the opening day of the BWEA30 conference and exhibition, this special report looks at current issues in the wind and marine energy sector. Special feature is the UK wind energy map on pages 8 and 9 giving current totals of wind energy capacity per region.
Skills and employment in the wind, wave and tidal stream industries
In summer 2008, BWEA commissioned Bain & Company and SQW to produce a linked pair of reports investigating the subject of skills and employment in the wind, wave and tidal stream industries. Published at BWEA30, these studies show that there is a huge opportunity for 'green collar' jobs in the industry, but also that many actors will have to work together to ensure delivery of the skills required. BWEA will use these reports to inform its strategy on skills and employment in the future.
- Bain & Co have produced estimates of current employment in the wind sector, future employment based on scenarios of delivery in 2020, and an analysis of the skills shortages affecting the industry. Click here to download this report (PDF format)
- SQW have surveyed the skills 'landscape' to inform BWEA of the actors involved and the actions that our industry and others must undertake to bring forward a suitably skilled workforce. Click here to download this report (PDF format)
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