UK completes construction of world’s largest offshore wind farm

Posted on April 12, 2013 by admin

This week the world’s largest offshore wind farm, the London Array, finished construction in UK waters. This now means that both the world’s biggest onshore and offshore wind farms are now supplying electricity to British homes. The London Array was a joint project between Dong Energy, Masdar and EON.

The London Array consists of 175 individual 6MW turbines giving a total installed capacity of 630MWs. This will provide enough electricity to power nearly half a million homes or expressed another way two thirds of Kent’s housing stock. Additionally the wind farm will reduce the UK’s carbon emissions by 900,000 tonnes a year.

The completion of construction was announced with much fanfare. Richard Rigg, the Project Director stated:

“This is the final major milestone of the construction phase and the culmination of more than two years offshore construction work which began in March 2011 with the installation of the first foundation.

“It has been a complex operation but I am delighted that the commissioning of the wind farm has now been completed on schedule, despite the worst of the winter weather.”

Country Manager for Dong Energy‘s UK Wind Business, Benj Sykes commented:

“Building London Array, the world’s largest offshore wind farm, is a great achievement.

“As we now look to our pipeline of future projects, Dong Energy is determined to drive down the cost of offshore wind farms to €100 per megawatt hour for projects we will be sanctioning in 2020.

“What we have learnt at London Array, together with our continuing focus on innovation in technologies and techniques, will help us achieve that.”

Tony Cocker, Chief Executive Officer at E.ON UK remarked:

“London Array is a significant achievement in renewable energy. The world’s largest operational offshore wind farm will be capable of generating enough energy to power nearly half a million homes and reduce harmful CO2 emissions by over 900,000 tonnes a year.

“It’s been a tough time for the team working on site. The recent bad weather and north-easterly winds have whipped up the waves preventing access to the site so this milestone is true reward for their hard work.”

Maria McCaffrey, RenewableUK Chief Executive released the following statement:

“Britain has a real achievement to celebrate here – the largest operational offshore wind farm in the world is generating clean electricity for British homes and businesses . It’s a monumental feat of green engineering. Other massive projects are also coming to fruition in UK waters, such as Teeside, Gwynt y Mor off the coast of North Wales and Gunfleet Sands off the Essex coast, where the next generation of even more powerful offshore turbines is being tested in the water for the first time anywhere in the world.

To hold on the UK’s global lead in offshore wind, it’s vital that we maintain this momentum. We must ensure that the crucial legislation going through Parliament right now – the Energy Bill – sets a rock-solid framework to encourage investment in renewables.

“If MPs get the details of the Bill right, we can unlock billions of pounds of investment for more flagship low-carbon projects like London Array, and create 76,000 jobs in the British wind industry by the dawn of the next decade.

“To secure those jobs, and to safeguard employment for future generations, we’re also getting the Government to articulate a clear vision of the scale of its amobition for the wind industry in the longer term, beyond 2020.”

The completion of Phase One of the London Array demonstrates the great strides the British wind industry is taking, delivering much needed growth and jobs to the British economy. The fact that the UK is now home to the world’s largest offshore and onshore (Whitelees wind farm in South Lanarkshire) wind farms demonstrates the existing strength of the industry. But the potential is there for far more.

Scottish Renewables Industry set to surpass £1 billion investment for 2012

Posted on December 7, 2012 by admin

It was announced this week that investment levels in the Scottish renewables industry are at record breaking levels. In the first six months of 2012 alone over £900 million was invested into the industry; £801 million of which went into onshore wind. In comparison £750 million was invested in the industry in the whole of 2011. Investment levels are confidently expected to top £1 billion by the end the year and could reach a figure as high as one £1.5 billion.

Niall Ferguson, Chief Executive of trade-body Scottish Renewables greeted the news at the Scottish Green Awards earlier in the week:

“We learnt that we smashed the 2011 renewable electricity target, that the sector supports some 11,000 jobs, is making a massive dent in carbon emissions, and output has again hit record levels.

“DECC figures show that Scotland’s renewable energy sector delivered some £900 million of investment in the first six months of 2012, putting us firmly on course to exceed an annual total of £1 billion for the first time in the industry’s history.

“More than £800 million of this came from onshore wind, showing the importance of the sector during a challenging time for Scotland’s economy. That investment is of course supporting thousands of jobs across Scotland in project management, civil engineering, professional services and operations and maintenance.

“This year could see more than double the level of capital projects delivered than in 2011.We attracted around £750 million of investment in the entire year of 2011 and more than £900 million in the just six months of 2012. If we continue at this rate there’s a good chance we could see in excess of £1.5 billion of capital projects.

Scottish Energy Minister Fergus Ewing also commented on the news, issuing the following statement:

“Scotland’s clean green energy resources are delivering thousands of jobs and hundreds of thousands of pounds of investment to communities across Scotland.

“These figures show the size of the prize renewable energy is offering to the people of Scotland, with renewable energy investment in Scotland now set to exceed £1 billion in 2012 alone.

“The list of recent companies investing, or planning to invest, in Scotland’s renewable energy future shows that Scotland is increasingly the destination of choice for renewable energy investment.”

Another announcement served to further hammer home the point of just how much renewable energy, and particularly onshore wind, is contributing to the Scottish economy. A survey produced by the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) shows that £1 of every £8 spent on infrastructure projects in Scotland is coming from investment in renewable energy.

CECA Scotland’s chairman Roger Philpott commented; “We’re not surprised the renewables sector is providing more than 15 per cent of Scotland’s annual £2 billion civil engineering outturn. It’s right up there with Scottish Water and Scottish Transport.”

It is hoped that the good news can continue to flow in for the Scottish renewables industry into the new year.

Government confirms commitment to Renewable Energy

Posted on November 27, 2012 by admin

Last week the UK Government underlined it’s commitment to renewable energy by announcing a funding commitment for future years. In total £7.6 billion pounds will be made available to the renewables industry between the years 2015-2020. This sum will be generated from small subsidies taken from individuals energy bills. The slight increases this funding will cause in energy bills is fully expected to be more than offset by savings made from having to import a reduced amount of gas from abroad. The £7.6 billion pounds is also expected to stimulate a further £40 billion worth of investment in the renewables industry – which has been one of the the few growth industries in the UK – and create thousands of jobs.

The funding commitment is expected to increase renewable electricity generation from it’s current level of 11% of electricity used to 30% by 2020. This will see the UK achieve it’s EU agreed target for renewable generation

The announcement was made in the build up the Coalition’s Energy Bill being presented in parliament. It is encouraging that the Coalition Government has presented such a united front on this issue following media speculation about disagreements over future energy policy.

At the announcement of the spending commitment for 2015-2020 the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Ed Davey gave the following statement:

“This is a durable agreement across the Coalition against which companies can invest and support jobs and our economic recovery.

“The decisions we’ve reached are true to the Coalition Agreement, they mean we can introduce the Energy Bill next week and have essential electricity market reforms up and running by 2014 as planned.

“They will allow us to meet our legally binding carbon reduction and renewable energy obligations and will bring on the investment required to keep the lights on and bills affordable for consumers.”

The news was generally greeted favourably by the industry. Maria McCaffrey, the Chief Executive of the trade body RenewableUK, released the following statement:

“This is a crucial announcement for the renewable energy sector. The news that there is rock solid support across Government for renewable energy, and clear evidence that Treasury and the Department of Energy and Climate Change are in step, provide the industry with exactly the kind of assurances we’ve been calling for. This blows the last few months of political infighting completely out of the water.

“This is proof that the Treasury really does get it – the renewable energy industry offers one of our best hopes for economic recovery. This will stimulate billions of pounds worth of investment in renewables, creating more than 88,000 jobs in wind, wave and tidal energy alone by 2021. It will enable us to hit our 2020 renewable energy targets, and make sure renewables can play their part in protecting UK consumers from unstable international power markets – we’ve seen over the last few years that the cost of imported gas has caused the bulk of energy bill price rises, and developing our own resources helps counter that dependence and vulnerability.

“The UK Government is sending a clear message that 30% of our electricity will be from renewable sources by 2020. The lion’s share will come from wind energy, with 31 gigawatts to be installed by the end of the decade.

“The Government also clearly understands that there’s likely to need to be a decarbonisation target for 2030. That’s great news, which will retain investor confidence in the long term. Those investors put £2.5 billion into the industry this year – this will now increase exponentially. Now it’s full steam ahead, so let’s get on with it”.

Jenny Hogan , Director of Policy for Scottish Renewables broadly agreed:

“There is still a great deal of detail on Electricity Market Reform to be revealed, but today’s announcement confirms that the Government remains committed to the growth of renewable energy and to our 2020 energy targets.

“This provides some much needed and long awaited certainty to the industry, which will allow us to really start planning for the future and investing in technologies such as offshore wind and marine energy. In turn we will see a massive reduction in carbon emissions from our power sector over the next decade.

“This is a particularly important announcement for Scotland, given that uncertainty over EMR has been the biggest threat to the development of offshore wind manufacturing and supply chain which could bring many thousands of jobs across the country.

“The UK Government needs Scotland to achieve our 100% renewable electricity target if the UK is to meet its re-stated renewable energy targets.”

John Cridland, director general of the CBI (Confederation of British Industry) welcomed the announcement but did also stress that it is of critical importance that the interests of other British Industries were remembered:

“This package will send a strong signal to investors that the government is serious about providing firms with the certainty they need to invest in affordable, secure, low-carbon energy. The government should ensure that those households and businesses most vulnerable to increased energy prices are protected.”

It is hoped that the industry can move on from speculative and potentially damaging headlines to helping the UK achieve its renewable energy targets.

Scottish Government unveils new planning guidance for wind developments

Posted on September 10, 2012 by admin

A few weeks ago the Scottish Government unveiled new planning guidance for wind energy developments.

This set of best practise guidelines is intended to speed up the planning process for developers as well as making it easier for planning authorities, affected communities and developers to assess proposals.

Much of the guidance is devoted to encouraging the closer involvement of communities in proposed developments from the earliest possible stage as well as seeking to minimise environmental impacts.

The guidance has been produced as a result of the GP (Good Practise) Wind Project, a European Union project led by the Scottish Government.

The Scottish Government drew up the guidelines in consultation with a number of relevant bodies including Scottish Power Renewables, the RSPB, Scottish and Southern Energy and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (the Western Isles Council).

The guidance was launched by the Scottish Energy Minister Fergus Ewing:

“I’m delighted to launch these materials, developed with industry, planning authorities and stakeholders, which aim to make the planning process for wind developments go more smoothly for everyone involved.

“The Scottish Government wants to see the right developments in the right places, and this guidance will help to ensure that – while also making sure there are fewer unsuitable applications and that communities are properly consulted and informed.

“We have set an ambitious, but achievable, renewable energy target and we are determined to ensure that communities all over Scotland benefit from our renewable energy revolution, which is already bringing jobs and investment.

“But we are determined that this should be done in a sustainable way, sympathetic to the needs of communities and protecting the environment and our fantastic natural heritage.

“This project supports our drive to promote engagement with communities and consultees from the beginning of a plan’s development.”

Representatives of the Government’s consultees also commented on the launch of the guidance. Councillor Angus Campbell, Leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar stated:

“Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is pleased to have had the opportunity to participate in the GP Wind project. As an island community on the edge of Europe, the Outer Hebrides stands to lose the most from the impacts of Climate Change but these islands are also home to one of the best wind and wave resources in Europe.

“If we are to decarbonise our energy supply, it is vital that the boundless energy resource in areas like the Outer Hebrides is accessed but that this is done in an environmentally responsible way. In this process, we need to address and resolve the challenges which currently hamper the implementation of wind generation, on and offshore, across Europe.

“We view GPWIND as a huge step forward in building a collective understanding of these challenges and the outputs of GPWIND will help us to develop and sustain good practice, enabling our area to become a power house for Europe while sustaining and developing fragile communities.”

David Gardner, Director of SSE Renewables (onshore) remarked:

“SSE Renewables is pleased to be a partner in the Good Practice Wind Project. All development projects should be constructed and operated in a responsible way and SSE Renewables is committed to this.

“Many other countries across Europe will benefit from Scotland demonstrating a leading role in delivering good practice in renewable energy development, but we can always learn to do better, and sharing good practice across the industry in this way is a very positive step.”

Aedan Smith, the Head of Planning and Development at RSPB Scotland commented:

“We are very pleased to have had the opportunity to work with the Scottish Government and other partners from across Europe on the GP Wind project. Given the challenge facing wildlife and people from climate change, we support the continued development of an environmentally sustainable wind energy industry as a proven way to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“However, wind energy developments must be sited and designed to avoid damaging our best places for wildlife. The good practice guide and toolkit produced by the GP Wind project should help ensure this happens. We encourage all those involved in the development of wind energy to apply good practice in line with the guide.”

If these new guidelines are successful in speeding up the planning process for wind developments then communities up and down the country will reap the benefits.

Onshore Wind brings substantial economic benefits

Posted on May 15, 2012 by admin

A new report, produced jointly, by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) and the industry trade body RenewableUK has studied in-depth the impact of onshore wind upon both local economies and the national economy.

The report examined 18 wind farm sites of different sizes from across the UK. The contribution made by wind farm development, construction, operation and maintenance to the British economy was observed at local, regional and national level.

It was found that the total onshore wind market was worth £548 million to the UK economy in the year 2011 alone. Additionally, over 9,000 jobs were supported by the industry. Perhaps even more interestingly, it was found that for every megawatt of onshore wind capacity installed in the UK £700,000 was added to GDP. Over £100,000 of which remains within the Local Authority area that the development is located.

If the UK was to achieve the target of 13GW of installed onshore wind capacity by 2020, set out in the Renewable Energy Roadmap, then the contribution to annual GDP would rise to £780 million and approximately 11,600 jobs would be supported. A figure which rises to 15,500 if ancillary jobs are included. These figures would then suggest that onshore wind is already making a major contribution to the British economy, particularly at a local level.

UK Energy Minister Ed Davey described onshore wind as “a cost effective and valuable part of the UK’s diverse energy mix”, at the publication of this report, going on to say further:

“Not only does wind power provide secure, low carbon power to homes and businesses, it supports jobs and brings significant investment up and down the country too.

“Our policies of increasing community involvement will also help to ensure the right balance between developers and community interests.

“With the cost of the technology coming down, there is a real opportunity to reap the economic benefits onshore wind can bring.”

Perhaps most interestingly, it was found that one of every three local jobs created by onshore wind developments is in the operation or maintenance sector.

Which is to say that these are long term jobs in the local area. This sort of job creation is of particular importance to Local Authorities and is very much a consideration in planning decisions.

The question of the supply chain is also raised in the report; specifically how much of the work required for onshore wind developments is carried out within the UK. It is found that many of the 8,000 components required to manufacture a turbine are, or could be, produced within this country, reaching the conclusion that; “many activities relating to the development of wind farms are already carried out by UK based businesses. As the sector develops, there are likely to be opportunities to increase this activity.”

The reports findings were greeted by RenewableUK’s chief executive Maria McCaffrey:

“This study explains why in rural areas 68% of people support wind, and 57% of those living in rural areas recognise that wind brings benefits in terms of jobs, 12% more than those in urban areas.

“Rather than feeling that wind has been imposed on them, real people across the UK are recognising the benefits of having wind in their backyard, and with Government’s help we’ll continue to build on the 8600 people employed across the country because of onshore wind, as promised by our members in the “Wind Energy Charter“.

…

“Whilst we can see that with increased deployment comes both increased value and jobs added, plus an increase in market share for the UK, if we were to only see 10GW come forward jobs will actually be lost in the development and construction phases, and there will be no increase in our market share. So it’s therefore essential for UK growth and employment to keep onshore wind progressing and revitalising communities.”

It could be argued that as the economic benefits of onshore wind become more apparent they become more difficult to refute.

Study finds Wind Farms do not cause long-term damage to bird populations

Posted on April 16, 2012 by admin

Last week a new report was published, here, which revealed that the impact of wind farms on bird populations may have been overstated. The study, published in the April edition of the Journal of Applied Ecology, was the first of its kind in that it monitored bird populations over three different periods; before during and after wind farm construction.

The study was carried out by a team of four naturalists and ornithologists from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), Scottish Natural Heritage, and the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO). 10 bird species were monitored across 18 different wind farm sites. The density of breeding birds and more general population trends were observed. The findings of the study were somewhat surprising as they indicated that the impact of an operational wind farm on bird populations was fairly minimal. Rather it was during the construction process that bird population levels were affected.

Martin Harper, the RSPB’s UK conservation director commented: “It shows that there can be a serious species-level impacts in the construction phase, so construction in the right place is absolutely key. But what it hasn’t shown is that wind farms are ‘bird blenders’. There is no impact from the turning of the blades.”

James Pearce-Higgins, lead author of the study and principal ecologist with the BTO: stated: “It was a bit of a surprise that the impact on wind farms seemed to be happening during construction rather than operation .

“It means we should look at ways in which these negative impacts can be minimised. The next step will be to find out whether those steps are effective.”

It is interesting to note that there were huge variations in how different species of bird were impacted by wind farms.

For example, red grouse, snipe, and curlew population levels all fell during construction. Red Grouse levels did, however, recover after construction was completed and the wind farms became operational. Other species such as the meadow pipit, golden plover, wheater, whinchat, dunlin, and the lapwing showed “either no change or less certain reactions’ to the construction and operation of wind farms. Some species, such as the skylark and stonechat, even “flourished” during construction. The varied impact of wind farm construction and operation on different species belies as the media myth that wind turbines are having a hugely negative impact on bird population levels. Other studies have produced similar results such as that carried out on a Dutch offshore wind farm which revealed that offshore wind can help to actually increase populations.

Rob Norris, spokesman for RenewableUK released the following statement welcoming the study’s findings: “Wind farm developers firmly believe that taking every possible step to protect birds is extremely important.

“That’s why they carry out stringent Environmental Impact Assessments to examine the effects a wind turbine will have on wildlife.

“This new study shows that once wind farms are up and running, they don’t have any significant impact on the local bird population. So this report should dispel the longstanding myth about wind turbines damaging birds, and as such it’s very welcome.”

Niall Stuart, chief executive of Scottish Renewables was equally welcoming:

“We hope this will go a long way in addressing inflammatory statements made by anti-wind farm campaigners. Onshore wind farm developers in Scotland have to complete rigorous environmental impact assessments which may include bird surveys which are then taken into consideration by the local planning authority.

“The wind industry will continue to work closely with statutory consultees including Scottish Natural Heritage to minimise the impact of habitats of animals and birds as we work to ensure the right balance between developing renewable energy projects and protecting our natural environment is met.”

The results of this study demonstrate that the impact of wind turbines on bird population levels has been overstated; particularly when the rigorous environmental assessments required for such developments is taken into account.

Scottish Government publishes Electricity Generation Policy Statement

Posted on March 9, 2012 by admin

This week the Scottish Government launched the latest draft of its Electricity Generation Policy Statement which aims to outline how the ambitious 100% renewable energy target for 2020 will be achieved. The document contains a large amount of information including a projected breakdown of Scotland’s future energy mix, outlined aims for the countries energy network in 2020, carbon reduction targets, energy efficiency measures, planned grid connections with other countries, and the expected economic benefits in terms of investment levels and job creation. The complete document can be found here. Scottish Energy Minister, Fergus Ewing stated:

“This report shows that the Scottish Government’s target to generate the equivalent of 100 per cent of our electricity needs from renewables, as well as more from other sources, is achievable.

“We know there is doubt and scepticism about our 100 per cent renewables target, and the financial and engineering challenges required to meet it.

“But we will meet these challenges. I want to debate, engage and co-operate with every knowledgeable, interested and concerned party to ensure we achieve our goals.

“We know our target is technically achievable. Scotland already leads the world in renewable energy, and we have the natural resources and the expertise to achieve so much more.

“The prize at stake for the people of Scotland is huge, in terms of jobs, economic opportunities and lower electricity bills for all.”

The Electricity Generation Policy Statement initially outlines what the government hopes to achieve, long term, with the countries energy network.

It states that Scotland’s generation mix should deliver; a secure electricity supply, at an affordable cost to consumers, which can achieve large scale de-carbonisation by 2030, and brings the greatest possible economic benefit to Scotland.

A number of individual targets have been set with these aims in mind. For example, total Scottish energy consumption should be lowered by 12% by 2020. Energy efficiency is internationally regarded as one of the most affordable ways in which energy demand and carbon emissions can be reduced and controlled. Steps are already being taken to meet this target; there was a 7.4% drop in year on year energy demand from 2008 to 2009.

No new nuclear power plants are to be constructed in Scotland although extending the lifespan of the countries two existing nuclear plants for a further 5 years is being considered. Such a move would serve to ease the transition to a grid more heavily reliant upon renewables.

Carbon Capture and Storage technology is expected to play an important role. Allowing baseload power to be maintained whilst still reducing carbon emissions. A minimum of 2.5 GW of thermal generation fitted with CCS technology is expected to be operational by 2020. CCS technology, if successfully demonstrated at commercial scale, could create up to 5,000 jobs and be worth £3.5 billion to the Scottish economy.

14-16 Gigawatts of renewable capacity will be required to achieve the 100% renewable target by 2020. Currently there are 12 Gigawatts of renewable capacity in various stages of planning, development and deployment. This figure includes 3 Gigawatts of mainly onshore wind projects currently consented or in construction. Whilst it should be remembered that not all of the 12 Gigawatts worth of projects will make it to construction it demonstrates the interest the Scottish renewables sector is already attracting from investors.

To achieve the 2020 target installed renewable generation capacity will have to almost double over the next ten years.Wind (both onshore and offshore) will play a major part in this expansion. 13 Gigawatts of wind energy is expected to be installed by 2020. This will mean that wind power will be providing around 55% of Scotland’s electricity output by this time. The Policy Statement identifies this target as a “major challenge” but argues that it is “consistent” with the projections made in a variety of different reports. Given Scotland’s huge potential for wind energy, strong backing from both the UK and Scottish Goverment’s, and the falling costs of both onshore and offshore wind it seems an achievable, if ambitious, target.

The Scottish Government has outlined a number of economic benefits that a strong and committed drive for increased renewable generation can bring. Firstly, it will serve to insulate consumers from the rising international prices of fossil fuels. The Policy Statement states that from 2013 increased renewable energy capacity will begin to halt the ever increasing cost to consumers from their energy bills.

Secondly, over the next ten years the renewable energy industry alone could be providing up to 40,000 jobs and £30 billion worth of investments into the Scottish economy. This is not including the economic benefits of CCS and increased usage of energy storage technologies. Additionally, the Scottish Government has targeted that 500MW should be owned by local communities by 2020. This level of communal ownership would see up £2.4 billion in Feed in-Tariff revenues over the next 20 years being held by local communities.

Thirdly, the necessary investment in and upgrading of Scotland’s electricity grid would pump £7 billion into the country’s economy and create 1,500 new jobs. The benefits of such investment are already being seen with both ScottishPower and Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) announcing the creation of new training and apprenticeship schemes.

Reactions to the publication of the Electricity Generation Policy Statement have been largely positive.

Ian Marchant, Chief Executive of SSE commented:

“SSE welcomes the Scottish Government’s electricity generation policy statement. With energy supply now a global issue, it is vital that the policy objectives adopted at Scottish, UK and EU level are consistent. With its focus on energy security, affordability and de-carbonisation, this policy statement underlines the extent to which policy objectives are consistent, and it is very encouraging that this should be the case.”

Keith Anderson, ScottishPower’s Chief Corporate Officer and CEO of ScottishPower Renewables remarked:

“ScottishPower supports the commitment to increase low carbon electricity generation in Scotland and we welcome the clarity outlined in the Scottish Government’s policy statement. We are making significant investments in large scale renewable energy projects including new wind, wave and tidal power. This investment is critical in order to help Scotland achieve its renewable energy targets and will be a catalyst for economic growth and job creation.”

Alison Kay, Commercial Director for National Grid observed:

“Scotland already has the highest proportion of clean power generation across Great Britain, which plays a vital role in keeping the lights on and meeting demand. The future energy mix is uncertain and this statement sets out a clear vision for the future of energy in Scotland. It will further enable National Grid and other industry participants to effectively plan the networks of the future.”

The 2020 target is described in the Policy Statement as “both a statement of intent and a rallying call”. It has been demonstrated to be both feasible and achievable, with wind energy playing a massive part. It is hoped that the outlining of a long term plan to help achieve the 100% aim will provide investors with confidence.

6GW of Renewable Energy now being generated in the UK

Posted on January 31, 2012 by admin

It was announced last week that the United Kingdom now has over 6GW of installed renewable capacity; enough to power over 3.3 million homes. The news has been welcomed in the British renewables industry as proof of the countries ability to achieve the 2020 target of 31GW of onshore and offshore wind.

Maria McCaffrey, chief executive of RenewableUK hailed the news:

“This is a landmark achievement . There’s a great feeling of pride throughout the industry that we’ve reached a record high of 6GW, and there’s a further 19.5GW of capacity under construction, consented, or in planning.

“The government’s Renewable Energy Roadmap is calling for 31GW of onshore and offshore wind combined by 2020, and we’re confident that we can deliver this if we can continue to get the right level of government support.”

Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander reaffirmed the UK Governments support for renewables:

“Working together, we can reach even greater heights. We are eager to ensure that the UK becomes the natural home for the most innovative, ambitious and inspiring renewable energy companies in the world, and we will continue to work with the industry to drive down costs and encourage even stronger growth in the years to come.”

Scottish Energy Minister Fergus Ewing commented:

“£750 million of new renewable electricity projects started generating in Scotland over the past year, and Scottish wind energy is already making a significant contribution to UK and EU targets.

“We are working closely with the UK government to ensure electricity market reforms continue to maximise opportunites to capitalise on Scotland’s unique natural resources.”

Jeremy Sainsbury, Chairman of Scottish Renewables, stated:

“We obviously join the renewables industry in celebrating reaching the 6GW mark and congratulate the Scottish sector in contributing almost 50% towards this important milestone.

“It is clear that with Scotland’s 2020 target of generating the equivalent of 100% of our electricity needs from renewables that we will continue to play a significant part in delivering capacity across the UK.”

It is clear that the achievement of the landmark 6GW of renewable generation that investment in both the UK and Scotland is continuing apace.

Both government’s 2020 renewable targets are beginning to seem that much more achievable.

Milestones Reached for Scottish Onshore Wind

Posted on January 11, 2012 by admin

It was announced last week that Scottish and Southern Energy has for the first time generated more energy from it’s onshore wind turbines than it generated from it’s hydro-electric power plants. Indeed the company now has over 1 gigawatt worth of installed capacity of onshore wind turbines. These turbines produce enough energy to power over 750,000 homes. Scottish and Southern Energy has over 11 gigawatts of installed energy capacity from all sources (including hydro-electric power , gas power stations and onshore wind). The rapid growth of the onshore wind sector (and renewables in general) is demonstrated by the fact that six years ago Scottish and Southern Energy had only 40 megawatts of installed onshore wind generation.

Ian Marchant, chief executive of SSE made the following statement on the news:

“Passing the 1GW milestone for onshore wind farm capacity is a very positive development as we start the New Year. With construction work continuing at sites in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, we expect that our operating onshore wind farm capacity will continue to grow significantly in the coming months.”

Richard Dixon, the director of WWF Scotland commented:

“SSE is to be congratulated, 1GW of wind power is a tremendous milestone. Just the wind-powered electricity from this one company represents enough capacity to provide a quarter of Scotland’s average electricity demand in ideal conditions.

“To meet our climate and energy targets, we need more wind turbines, as well as other renewables. SSE has an important part to play in this.”

A spokesman for the Scottish Government argued that their renewables policy was already “delivering hundreds of millions of pounds of investment and thousands of jobs.

“This is a historic milestone for SSE and plays a key role in ensuring communities all over Scotland will benefit from renewable energy generation.”

It should be remembered, of course, that SSE are only one player in an increasingly large industry.

Scottish Renewables, the industry’s leading trade body, announced that over the course of 2010 onshore wind turbines produced more than 10% of Scotland’s energy demand.

Given the increase in installed capacity in 2011 we can fully expect that next year the figure will be even higher.

Niall Stuart, chief executive of Scottish Renewables released the following statement with the news:

“The recent high winds have resulted in higher output from wind farms, despite some turbines having to close down in the very worst of the storms.

“Onshore wind makes an invaluable contribution all year round, meeting around 12% of the electricity demand of Scotland in 2010.

“Despite the critics, 2011 is on track to be a record year for the renewables industry and 2012 will likely see us set the bar even higher.”

These two recent announcements demonstrate that onshore wind can, and indeed already is, contribute in a major way to Scotland’s and the UK’s energy needs.

Survey reveals widespread support for Renewables

Posted on December 21, 2011 by admin

A survey recently carried out by YouGov has revealed that a majority of the British population is in favour of both increased renewable energy development and the use of government subsidies as funding . The results were based upon a sample of around 1,700 people. The survey had been commissioned by the Sunday Times but is yet to appear in the paper. It is unclear as to why this is the case.

The survey asked the initial question; “Thinking about the country’s future energy provision, do you think the government should be looking to use more or less of the following?” and returned the following results:

Solar power
More than at present – 74%
Less than at present – 6%
Maintain current levels – 12%
Not sure – 9%

Wind farms
More than at present – 56%
Less than at present – 19%
Maintain current levels – 15%
Not sure – 9%

Nuclear power stations
More than at present – 35%
Less than at present – 27%
Maintain current levels – 23%
Not sure – 15%

Oil power stations
More than at present – 10%
Less than at present – 47%
Maintain current levels – 27%
Not sure – 17%

Coal power stations
More than at present – 16%
Less than at present – 43%
Maintain current levels – 25%
Not sure – 17%

These figures demonstrate that the public have identified renewables as the future of the country’s energy policy with only a minority believing that new fossil fuel plants are the way forward. It should be noted that the older a person is the more likely they are to support new nuclear plants and less likely to support renewable developments.

The survey went on to ask the following questions:

“Do you think the government is right or wrong to subsidise wind farms to encourage more use of wind power?”

Right 60%
Wrong 26%
Don’t know 15%

Do you think increased use of wind power is or is not a realistic way of combating climate change?

Realistic 47%
Not realistic 36%
Don’t know 16%

Do you think increased use of solar power is or is not a realistic way of combating climate change?

Realistic 67%
Not realistic 18%
Don’t know 15%

These results demonstrate that the majority of people can see the benefits of the Feed-in tariff in encouraging renewable energy developments to reduce carbon emissions, tackle climate change and give the country energy security. This is despite a concerted campaign in some areas of the media against renewables and the spread of misinformation about the impact green subsidies are having on energy bills, particularly compared to ever increasing wholesale gas prices.

James Murray, of BusinessGreen, described the poll results as “explosive” and the “best kind of early Christmas present”.

The survey comes as the end of a year which has been described as “exceptional” for renewables by the Scottish Energy Minister Fergus Ewing. Much investmentment has occurred in the Scottish Renewable Energy Sector in 2011, demonstrated by the recent announcement that SSE (Scottish and Southern Energy) is to create an offshore wind hub in Dundee (which recently missed out on a similar development by Spanish turbine manufacturer Gamesa) and create 700 jobs.

Niall Stuart, chief executive of Scottish Renewables, commented: “Even as 2011 comes to a close we are continuing to welcome major announcements from international companies such as Gamesa, who have signaled an interest in establishing a presence in Leith, and SSE who signed a Memorandum of Understanding with key figures in Dundee to build an offshore wind hub and create 700 jobs.

“It’s announcments like these that have helped grow public support for renewables too.”

We can but hope the good news continues in 2012.