A total 630 MW of wind energy were commissioned in 2006, carrying an increase of 50% over the previous year. In total, one new offshore and 21 new onshore windfarms were built, adding up to 300 new turbines.
With a further 625 MW currently under construction, and consents awarded for a further 2120 MW, the UK is meeting Government targets for securing future energy supplies and tackling climate change. Wind energy will quite likely be the single greatest contributor to the Government’s 10% 2010 renewable energy target and 20% 2020 renewable aspiration.
The UK, which is Europe's windiest country has been lagging well behind other countries such as Germany or Spain in wind power capacity. However now the country seems to be aiming to reverse the trend; with potentially 8,700 megawatts of projects at various stages of development, Britain is even set to overtake Denmark as the leader in installed offshore wind generating capacity in 2008. According to BWEA, turbines in the UK will be generating sufficient electricity to meet the needs of over a million households this year.
Also related to the BWEA, BP has announce that it will joint the Association early this year as a "Sponsor Member" (i.e. having a seat on the board). Shell, another big oil company, already joined some time ago.
For additional information:
www.bwea.com
