RenewableUK - Small Wind Energy Systems

RenewableUK is the UK's leading renewable energy business organisation. Established in 1978, BWEA now has 644 member companies active in the UK wind, wave and tidal stream industries. BWEA is at the forefront of the development of these industries, acting as an industry forum to find solutions, whilst representing membership views to government, the media, and the public.

RenewableUK is the leading voice for the UK micro- and small-wind industry with a membership that includes all major small wind turbine manufacturers, installers, distributors, test and certification bodies, academic institutions and utility companies.

Latest News

4 May, 2012, Generate Your Own Power - Case Studies of Small Wind Developments

The case studies in this booklet illustrate a range of applications that are posible for wind power generation by individuals, farmers and communities.
View booklet...

The first combined Small and Medium Wind UK Market Report 2012 was launched on 17th April at the International Small and Medium Wind Conference in Glasgow. The report assesses the current size and future trends of small and medium wind sector in the UK.
View report...

NEL can today announce that following an extensive investigation of the Proven P35-2 wind turbine shaft failure, undertaken by the Energy Technology Centre, that a way forward has been agreed that allows the MCS Certification suspension to be lifted with effect Tuesday 7 February 2012.

The details of the remedial actions required before P35-2s can be installed / be taken off brake will be available from:

It is suggested that all owners make direct contact with VG Energy who will advise on the arrangements for these remedial actions.

Proven P35-2, Small Wind Turbine – Update – 13 January 2012
MCS certification of the Proven Energy P35-2 small wind turbine was suspended on 23 September 2011 following a small number of main shaft failures and the subsequent Administration of the Proven Energy business.

RenewableUK is pleased to report that a meeting was held at TUV SUD NEL (the accredited MCS Certification Body) with a number of stakeholders on Thursday 12 January 2012.

The primary purpose of the meeting was to address the legacy issues with the P35-2. As a result of the meeting a way forward has been identified and agreement with all relevant parties is expected to be reached in a matter of weeks. Once the agreed solution has been finalised, MCS will instruct the Installation Companies to advise their customers of the remedial work that will be required to restart the turbines.

RenewableUK would advise that owners keep their turbines on brake until further advice is given.

April 5, 2011, Technical Note to Facilitate Wind Turbine Inverter Change & Modification for MCS
The technical note provides guidance to certification bodies to assess the wider system safety and performance implication of a proposed inverter change. Applying this guidance will enable turbine manufacturers to implement necessary modifications to the electrical system to ensure ongoing performance improvement and continuity of inverter supply, without necessarily having to repeat full MCS system testing.
View details ...

Apr 5, 2011, Small Wind Systems UK Market Report 2011
The Small Wind Systems UK Market Report 2011 was launched on 5th April at the International Small Wind Conference in Gateshead. The report assesses the current size and dynamic of the world's second largest market for small wind systems. The report illustrates that 61% of the UK market is supplied by UK based manufacturers who also export over half of their output to more than 100 countries world wide. In addition to providing projections of the future market development, the report introduces to small wind system technology and gives an overview of UK policy framework.
View report ...

RenewableUK Wind Pavilion at Ecobuild 2011
Taking place on 1st – 3rd March 2011 at ExCeL London, Ecobuild is the biggest event in the world for sustainable design, construction and the built environment. Combining a huge product showcase – over 1,000 suppliers of sustainable and innovative construction products – with an information programme comprising more than 100 conference and seminar sessions, delivered by 600 expert speakers, plus dozens of interactive and educational attractions. Over 41,000 design and construction professionals attended Ecobuild 2010.

RenewableUK is delighted to be hosting the Wind Pavilion at Ecobuild 2011. To exhibit within the pavilion or for further information, please contact Sarah Harper on s.harper@renewable-uk.com

26 April, Generate your own power: Your guide to installing a small wind system
View report ...

9 April, Details of DECC R&D project announced: MCS Product Testing. Read more ...

18 February, 2010 BWEA consultation response: England General Permitted Development Orders (GPDO). Read more...

1 February, 2010 BWEA Press Release - Power to the people: Green energy bonanza announced today. Read more...

8 December, 2009 BWEA and the Energy Saving Trust make valuable wind data available to the global small wind sector.
On the advice of BWEA, valuable windspeed data collected as part of the recent Energy Saving Trust domestic small scale wind field trial .... click here for more

16 October, 2009 BWEA consultation response: Renewable Electricity Financial Incentives (RO + FIT)... click here for more...

21 September, 2009 International Small Wind Conference 2010
BWEA's second annual event dedicated to small and micro wind systems will take place over 27-28 April 2010 at The Science Centre in Glasgow... click here for more...

13 July, 2009 EST Report Flags up Potential for Small Wind Systems
BWEA, the UK's leading renewable energy trade association, welocmed today the publication of the Energy Saving Trust's (EST) report on the domestic small-scale wind field trial... click here for more...

May 1, 2009 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... click here for more...

April 22, 2009 BWEA Small Wind System UK Market Report 2009
This year's BWEA Small Wind System UK Market Report was launched at April's International Small Wind Conference. The report assesses the current size and dynamic of the world's second largest market for small wind systems, the United Kingdom. Currently, 82%... click here for more...

April 3, 2009 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... click here for more...

March 20, 2009 BWEA releases clarification note for the BWEA small wind turbine performance and safety standard.
Click here to download in PDF format.

January 14, 2009 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... click here for more...