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Small Wind Energy Systems

Research and publications

This page has a selection of research and publications related to small wind energy systems, ranging from technology and public attitudes to key Government consultations.

Latest News

  • Microgeneration Strategy launched. After a 6-month consultation period, DTI launched Microgeneration Strategy and details of the new Low Carbon Buildings Programme. The Microgeneration Strategy outlines the Government's actions in creating sustainable markets for microgeneration technologies and includes initiatives such as awareness campaigns for schools, review of planning regulation and capital grants. See also microgeneration industry's joint press release on the launch.
  • Code for Sustainable Homes. The Office of Deputy Prime Minister is proposing a new Code for Sustainable Homes, which will incorporate measures to minimise energy use, water consumption and waste. The consultation ended in March 2006 and BWEA is asking microgeneration to be included within the Code. BWEA Response: ODPM Proposal for introducing a Code for Sustainable Homes
  • Visit also our Latest News page for all the news in the wind industry.
  • The following factsheets have recently been published by Ofgem:
     
    • Helping microgeneration succeed
    • What is a Smart Meter?

These factsheets are available on Ofgem's website www.ofgem.gov.uk/ofgem/press/fact-sheets.jsp

Microgeneration

Microgeneration is defined as zero and low carbon generation in the smaller scale. It is defined as up to 50kW of electricity generation and 45kW of heat generation. Microgeneration technologies include small wind turbines, micro-hydro, solar power, fuel cells, micro-combined heat and power, and ground and air source heat pumps.

Proven Energy wind turbine
  • Micropower Council - Visit www.micropower.co.uk for latest news and policy developments covering the whole microgeneration sector in the UK.
  • Microgeneration Strategy - The UK Government has developed a cross-Government strategy for the development of microgeneration, which was launhed in April 2006. The Strategy is divided to six main areas: product development and deployment, communications, economics, installation, Low Carbon Buildings Programme and physical infrastructure.
    - The final Microgeneration Strategy is available at www.dti.gov.uk/energy/sources/sustainable/microgeneration
    - See also BWEA's response to the consultation
  • Sustainable Consumption Roundtable – a joint initiative of the National Consumer Council and the Sustainable Development Commission published a report in October 2005 on the impacts of microgeneration to people's behaviour. Download report Seeing the light: the impact of micro-generation on the way we use energy Qualitative research findings (785 kB).
    'It seems that micro-generation provides a tangible hook to engage householders emotionally with the issue of energy use… Householders described the sheer pleasure of creation and of self-sufficiency: "It's like growing your own vegetables"' (SCR)
  • Potential for Microgeneration - Study and Analysis. The Energy Saving Trust, in conjunction with Element Energy Limited, E-Connect and Cambridge University Faculty of Economics, was commissioned by the DTI to study the UK potential for microgeneration technologies. Published in November 2005, this report suggests that 30-40% of UK's electricity generation, including 6% of small wind generation, could come from microgeneration by 2050. Download the full report (3.67 MB).

Small Wind Turbine Research

Below is a selection of the latest research and publications in the UK small wind energy sector.
  • Sustainable Technologies Programme. Researchers from the University of Sussex and the University of Southampton have publised a working paper titled Economic Analysis of Micro-generation Deployment Models, which analyses the payback times of three different techonologies: microwind, PV and microCHP. The working paper presents work in progress and is the basis for a series of interviews with relevant actors from industry, policy and NGOs. Visit also www.sustainabletechnologies.ac.uk for more information.
  • CCLRC (in conjunction with Altechnica, BDSP , Hoare Lea , Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, Marlec, Proven, Wind Dam Limited, FreeGEN, and University of Strathclyde) have completed a Carbon Trust supported study entitled: The Feasibility of Building Mounted/Integrated Wind Turbines (BUWTs): Achieving their potential for carbon emission reductions. The final report summarises the possible contribution that BUWTs could make to the UK and identifies the R&D challenges which would need to addressed to realise this potential. The report can be downloaded from www.eru.rl.ac.uk/BUWT.htm.
  • Mid Wales Energy Agency published a report in August 2005 on rooftop wind turbines, Domestic Roof-Mounted Wind Turbines - The Current State of the Art (582 kB).

European Projects

See below for more details on European Commission-funded small wind turbine research, which identify key markets, future potential and barriers to development in European countries.
  • WINEUR - Wind energy integration in the urban environment. This EU-funded project identifies the conditions necessary for the integration of small wind turbines in the urban environment and promotes the emergence of this technology as a real option for electricity supply in towns and cities across Europe. Visit www.urbanwind.org for more information or download their report (July 2005) here (1.88 MB).
  • Small Wind Industry Strategy (SWIIS) is a European Commission funded project, which intends to stimulate growth in the small wind turbine industry. The project seeks to establish why the small wind industry is small relative to its potential, to identify barriers to further market growth and to propose actions to boost the industry. Visit www.smallwindindustry.org for more information.