Wind Energy

The effects of climate change not only pose a threat to mankind but also to the natural environment. The substitution of fossil fuels with renewable energy sources of which wind energy is a key technology, is now recognised by the UK government as a cornerstone in reducing greenhouse gases. The reduction in atmospheric pollution is paramount in this fight against climate change.

Wind power is the second largest growth area (in percentage terms) of renewable energy. Electricity generated from wind has more than doubled in the last five years. Taking into account both offshore and onshore projects due to begin construction within the first half of 2006, the forecast build for 2006 was potentially up to 800 MW. It took 14 years to deliver the first gigawatt of wind power to the UK but the next gigawatt could be delivered in around 14 months. The government is encouraging companies to build both offshore and onshore wind farms with revised planning legislation being issued in PPS 22, for onshore development.

International Agreement

At Kyoto in 1997 the European Community agreed to reduce its greenhouse gas emission by 8% below 1990 levels by 2010. Following discussions with EU and other member states the UK’s legally binding target is to reduce emissions by 12.5% below 1990 levels by 2010. The UK government have reinforced this commitment by setting an additional domestic goal to reduce carbon dioxide level by 20% below 1990 levels by 2010.

Main UK Policies

A world wide emissions trading scheme for UK Companies. A target that 15% of sales from licensed electricity suppliers will be generated from eligible renewable sources by 2015. European level agreements with car manufactures to improve the fuel efficiency of new cars by at least 25% by 2008/2009. Better energy efficiency in the residential sector. Improving performance standards in the Building Regulations.

Offshore Sites

The government through Crown Estates has currently granted 18 leases for offshore sites under round 1 of the development programme. The government are now reviewing applications for round 2 of the offshore development programme.

Onshore Sites

Currently 135 projects are commissioned with a total of 1725 turbines. This is equivalent to the electricity required to supply 1,089,474 homes, thus reducing carbon emissions by 4,403,653 tonnes per year.

Countryside Aspects

All onshore sites have been selected based on low environmental sensitivity. All the selected sites are currently working environments, none of the sites is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) or Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). All cable between turbines and the grid connection point will be buried. All turbines will be located away from habitable dwellings.