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In the year to [[31 March]] [[2005]], onshore wind farms, according to Ofgem, produced 1,734 GW·h (an average of 198 MW) but this is expected to rise to 2,500 GW·h (an average of 285 MW) in the following year, so there is considerable scope for further growth (16,600 MW peak capacity had been installed in Germany by 2004.<ref>[http://ec.europa.eu/energy/res/sectors/wind_energy_en.htm Energy - New and Renewable Energies - Wind Energy<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
In the year to [[31 March]] [[2005]], onshore wind farms, according to Ofgem, produced 1,734 GW·h (an average of 198 MW) but this is expected to rise to 2,500 GW·h (an average of 285 MW) in the following year, so there is considerable scope for further growth (16,600 MW peak capacity had been installed in Germany by 2004.<ref>[http://ec.europa.eu/energy/res/sectors/wind_energy_en.htm Energy - New and Renewable Energies - Wind Energy<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>


According to [[DTI]] figures onshore wind farms in the UK generated 769 [[GW·h]] in 2005, while offshore farms generated 204 GW·h.<ref>http://www.dtistats.net/energystats/dukes06.pdf</ref> This compares to a total electricity consumption of 407,265 GW·h for the same year, meaning that the combined on and offshore contribution to UK electricity generation was less than 0.25%. In 2007 the planning permission problem was exacerbated by a shortage of spare parts for certain models of generator, which put some turbines out of action for over six months, triggering clauses in planning consents requiring removal of the non-functional turbines.<ref>[http://www.whitehaven-news.co.uk/unknown/viewarticle.aspx?c=397&id=566730 Whitehaven News article, 22 Nov 2007, on problems at Lowca and Oldside windfarms], accessed 2007-12-15</ref><ref>Siddall, David [http://www.whitehaven-news.co.uk/unknown/viewarticle.aspx?c=397&id=571309 Whitehaven News follow-up article on Lowca problems, 6 Dec 2007], accessed 2007-12-15</ref>
According to [[DTI]] figures onshore wind farms in the UK generated 769 [[GW·h]] in 2005, while offshore farms generated 204 GW·h.<ref>http://www.dtistats.net/energystats/dukes06.pdf</ref> This compares to a total electricity consumption of 407,265 GW·h for the same year, meaning that the combined on and offshore contribution to UK electricity generation was less than 0.25%. In 2007 the planning permission problem was exacerbated by a shortage of spare parts for certain models of generator, which put some turbines out of action for over six months, triggering clauses in planning consents requiring removal of the non-functional turbines.<ref>[http://www.whitehaven-news.co.uk/unknown/viewarticle.aspx?c=397&id=566730 Whitehaven News article, 22 Nov 2007, on problems at Lowca and Oldside windfarms], accessed 2007-12-15</ref><ref>Siddall, David [http://www.whitehaven-news.co.uk/unknown/viewarticle.aspx?c=397&id=571309 Whitehaven News follow-up article on Lowca problems, 6 Dec 2007], accessed 2007-12-15</ref><ref>Robinson, Sarah [http://www.whitehaven-news.co.uk/2.1819/2.2837/1.61725 Firm told to repair turbine], Whitehaven News (2008-03-27) accessed 2008-03-28</ref>


===List of built and proposed onshore wind farms===
===List of built and proposed onshore wind farms===

Revision as of 19:56, 28 March 2008

Wind power in the United Kingdom passed the milestone of 2 GW installed capacity on 9 February 2007 with the opening of the Braes O'Doune wind farm, near Stirling.[1] The UK became the 7th country in the world to reach this capacity. The world leader in wind power is Germany with 20.6 GW installed.[1]

Currently, approximately 1.5% of UK electricity is generated by wind power (with a total of around 4.5% of UK electricity coming from all renewable sources [2]). This is expected to rise dramatically in coming years, as a result of UK Energy Policy strongly supporting new renewable energy generating capacity. In the short to medium term, the bulk of this new capacity is expected to be provided by onshore and offshore wind power.

Through the mechanism of Renewables Obligation Certificates, British electricity suppliers are now required by law to provide a proportion of their sales from renewable sources such as wind power or pay a penalty fee. The ROCs are the principal form of subsidy for UK wind power, providing around half of the revenue from wind generation[3]. Wind energy is also exempt from the climate change levy which is paid by fossil-fuel and nuclear generators.

Governments targets anticipate a capacity utilisation factor (CF) of 30%, implying that 2GW of installed capacity will provide an average of 600MW to the national grid. A study by the Renewable Energy Foundation found that in practice only a few Scottish wind farms achieved this level, while turbines in lowland England were much less efficient, some operating at less than 10% of capacity[4]. The foundation argued that too much subsidy had encouraged wind development on poor sites.

Offshore wind farms

The UK has been estimated to have over a third of Europe's total offshore wind resource, which is equivalent to three times the electricity needs of the nation at current rates of electricity consumption.

The first developments in UK offshore wind power came about through the now discontinued Non-Fossil Fuel Obligation (NFFO), leading to two wind farms, Blyth Offshore and Gunfleet sands.[5] The NFFO was introduced as part of the Electricity Act 1989 and obliged UK electricity supply companies to secure specified amounts of electricity from non-fossil sources,[6] which provided the initial spur for the commercial development of renewable energy in the UK.

The UK will require 7,500 offshore turbines by 2020 to meet EU targets[7]

Round 1

In 1998 the British Wind Energy Association (BWEA) began discussions with the government to draw up formal procedures for negotiating with the Crown Estate, the owner of almost all the UK coastline out to distance of 12 nautical miles (22.2 km). The result was a set of guidelines published in 1999, and a huge increase in the number of applications submitted. Eighteen of the applications were granted permission to proceed in April 2001, in what has become known as round one of UK offshore wind development.

The first of the round one projects completed, and the first large scale offshore wind farm in the UK, North Hoyle, was commissioned in December 2003. The second, Scroby Sands, was completed one year later in December 2004, followed by the 90 MW Kentish Flats in 2005. The fourth, Barrow Offshore, with 30 turbines, finished construction in July 2006. Seven of the remaining projects have received consent from the planning authorities, while the remaining four are still awaiting consent, including the Shell Flat site off the coast of Lancashire.

Round 2

Lessons learnt from round one, particularly the difficulty in getting planning consent for offshore wind farms, together with the increasing pressure to reduce CO2 emissions, prompted the department of trade and industry (DTI) to develop a strategic framework for the offshore wind industry. The result, known as Round 2, was announced in December 2003 with 15 projects with a combined capacity of 7.2 GW. By far the largest of these are the 1 GW London Array and the 1.2 GW Triton Knoll.[8]

List of built and proposed offshore wind farms

Scroby Sands wind farm from Great Yarmouth
UK Offshore Windfarms[9]
Farm Completed Power (MW) No. Turbines Notes
Blyth Offshore December 2000 4 2 Evaluation project
North Hoyle December 2003 60 30 The UK's first major offshore wind farm
Scroby Sands December 2004 60 30
Kentish Flats December 2005 90 30
Barrow May 2006 90 30 Fewer turbines built than originally planned.
Burbo Bank October 2007 90 25 Construction started May 2006 [10]
Beatrice August 2007 10 2 Evaluation project. Construction started 2006 [11]
Lynn/Inner Dowsing 194 54 Construction started March 2007 [12]
Gunfleet Sands 1 108 30 Construction to start in first half of 2008 [13]
Robin Rigg - Solway Firth 180 60 Construction started summer 2007 [14]
London Array 1,000 341 Permission granted December 2006 [15][16]
Thanet 300 83 Permission granted December 2006[17]

Construction to begin September 2008[18]

Greater Gabbard 500 140 Approved. Turbines to be delivered in 2009 and 2010.[19]
Rhyl Flats 90 25 Construction began July 2007 [20]
Cromer 108 30 Withdrawn after approval [21]
Scarweather Sands 108 30 Approved [22]
Ormonde 108 30 Approved. Construction to begin in 2008[23].
Shell Flat 180 90 Resubmitted for planning consent
Teesside/Redcar 90 30 Submitted (TWA) [24]
Gwynt y Môr 750 up to 250 planning application submitted [25]
Sheringham Shoal 315 up to 108 planning application submitted [26]
Walney 160/440 93 planning application submitted [27]
Lincs 250 83 planning application submitted [28]
Gunfleet Sands 2 64 22 planning application submitted [29]
Docking Shoal 500 up to 83 planning application to be submitted end of 2006 [30]
Race Bank 500 up to 83 planning application to be submitted mid 2007 [31]
Triton Knoll 1,200
West Duddon 500
Atlantic Array 1,500 350 Planning stage, pending SEA, construction 2013-2018[32]

Onshore wind farms

The wind turbine at Greenpark, Reading, Berkshire

The first windfarms in the UK were built onshore, and they currently generate more power than the offshore farms. A March 2006 report by the British Wind Energy Association forecast that onshore windfarms will be able to supply 6,000 MW peak, or on average nearly 5% of the national electricity requirement, by 2010.[33] Despite this potential, gaining planning permission for onshore wind farms is proving difficult, with many schemes stalled in the planning system, and a high rate of refusal.[34]

In the year to 31 March 2005, onshore wind farms, according to Ofgem, produced 1,734 GW·h (an average of 198 MW) but this is expected to rise to 2,500 GW·h (an average of 285 MW) in the following year, so there is considerable scope for further growth (16,600 MW peak capacity had been installed in Germany by 2004.[35]

According to DTI figures onshore wind farms in the UK generated 769 GW·h in 2005, while offshore farms generated 204 GW·h.[36] This compares to a total electricity consumption of 407,265 GW·h for the same year, meaning that the combined on and offshore contribution to UK electricity generation was less than 0.25%. In 2007 the planning permission problem was exacerbated by a shortage of spare parts for certain models of generator, which put some turbines out of action for over six months, triggering clauses in planning consents requiring removal of the non-functional turbines.[37][38][39]

List of built and proposed onshore wind farms

UK Onshore Windfarms[40]
Farm Completed Power (MW) Turbines Notes
Delabole[41] December 1991 4.0 10 The UK's first commercial wind farm, owned by Good Energy
Blood Hill[42] December 1992 2.25 10 Located near Great Yarmouth
Hollin Hill [43] June 1993 9.2 23
Harlock Hill[44] April 1997 2.5 5 Part of the Baywind Co-Op. Upgraded in 2001
Haverigg[45] July 1998 3/5 4 Part of the Baywind Co-Op.
Bears Downs [46][47] July 2001 9.6 16
Crystal Rig May 2004 50 20
Hadyard Hill March 2006 120 52
Burton Wold [48] March 2006 20 10
Caton Moor July 2006 16 8 Recently upgraded
Westmill[49] due April 2008 6.5 5 A co-op windfarm near Oxford
Walkway, High Swainston[50] 2008 21 7 Near Sedgefield
Butterwick Moor [51] 2009 30 10 Close to the Walkway development, also near Sedgefield

See also

References

  1. ^ a b BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | UK wind power reaches milestone
  2. ^ BWEA News - BWEA response to John Hutton's speech
  3. ^ Wind power subsidy in the UK by Dr John Etherington
  4. ^ http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/12/09/nwind09.xml
  5. ^ BWEA - Offshore Wind Introduction
  6. ^ [1][dead link]
  7. ^ Britain will need 12,500 wind farms to satisfy EU targets - Climate Change, Environment - Independent.co.uk
  8. ^ BWEA - Round 2 map
  9. ^ BWEA - UKWED Offshore wind farms
  10. ^ index
  11. ^ Beatrice Wind Farm Demonstrator Project - Project Timeline
  12. ^ http://www.centrica.co.uk/index.asp?pageid=933
  13. ^ http://www.gunfleetsands.co.uk/Home.htm
  14. ^ E.ON UK - Robin Rigg
  15. ^ BBC NEWS | UK | England | Kent | Offshore wind farms get go-ahead
  16. ^ London Array
  17. ^ BBC NEWS | UK | England | Kent | Offshore wind farms get go-ahead
  18. ^ Warwick Energy Limited
  19. ^ Greater Gabbard - HOME
  20. ^ npower renewables: Rhyl Flats
  21. ^ BWEA - UKWED Offshore wind farms
  22. ^ BWEA - UKWED Offshore wind farms
  23. ^ http://www.seapower-generation.co.uk/eis.htm
  24. ^ SYS 2006 Data Download Report - Table 3.3 - New Generation Projects with Section 36 Consent Under Consideration
  25. ^ npower renewables
  26. ^ Scira Offshore Energy Ltd
  27. ^ Walney
  28. ^ Centrica plc - Media - Management - Board of directors
  29. ^ Project
  30. ^ http://www.centrica.co.uk/index.asp?pageid=1005
  31. ^ http://www.centrica.co.uk/index.asp?pageid=1006
  32. ^ BBC NEWS | UK | England | Devon | Largest offshore windfarm planned
  33. ^ BWEA News - Onshore wind powering ahead - new research from BWEA
  34. ^ BWEA News - Decision makers must heed Stern warning on climate change
  35. ^ Energy - New and Renewable Energies - Wind Energy
  36. ^ http://www.dtistats.net/energystats/dukes06.pdf
  37. ^ Whitehaven News article, 22 Nov 2007, on problems at Lowca and Oldside windfarms, accessed 2007-12-15
  38. ^ Siddall, David Whitehaven News follow-up article on Lowca problems, 6 Dec 2007, accessed 2007-12-15
  39. ^ Robinson, Sarah Firm told to repair turbine, Whitehaven News (2008-03-27) accessed 2008-03-28
  40. ^ BWEA - Round 1 Offshore Wind Farms
  41. ^ Good Energy - Delabole Windfarm - the 100% renewable electricity supplier - committed to supporting independent renewable generators
  42. ^ E.ON UK - Blood Hill
  43. ^ Energy Power Resources | Assets | Windpower | Overview
  44. ^ Baywind - error 404
  45. ^ Baywind - error 404
  46. ^ npower renewables: Bears Down Summary
  47. ^ embrace the revolution
  48. ^ BBC - Northamptonshire - Features - Burton Wold Wind Farm
  49. ^ Westmill Wind Farm
  50. ^ YES2WIND: How to say yes to wind energy in your area
  51. ^ BBC NEWS | England | Village wind farm plans approved

External links

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