• Onshore wind
• Offshore wind
• Wave & tidal
• Small wind systems
• Aviation
• Wales
• Wind farms in the UK
• Health & Safety
• Events
• Publications
• Latest news
• Jobs
• Membership
• Company Directory
• Members Area

Small wind systems: 80% annual growth

First BWEA Small Systems Report points to spectacular sector growth - but planning still an issue

BWEA, UK's leading renewable energy trade association, identified very strong annual growth for small wind turbines in terms of units installed, with the Government being urged to streamline planning and come out with much stronger backing for the burgeoning sector.

The first BWEA Small Wind Systems UK Market Report, published this week, projects that 3 previous years of interrupted growth will continue through 2008 and into 2009, with the UK retaining the mantle of world leader in small systems technology. However, the 80% growth is driven not just by technological improvements, but also by realisation that there are huge energy savings to be made by deploying small turbines.

Alex Murley, BWEA Small Systems Manager said: "With large economic and export opportunities at stake, the UK is in an ideal position to support a strong manufacturing industry in a fast growing global sector, with the potential of delivering tens of thousands of UK based jobs."

At the same time, there was continuing consternation at the Governments lack of clear guidance to local planning authorities, which would assist those who wish to generate their own renewable energy. In 2006 as part of the Micro-generation Strategy published by the DTI (now DBERR) there was a commitment to address planning as a barrier to deployment.

"Two years after Government promised to tackle this issue, industry, local authorities and consumers are still waiting for detailed planning guidance and Permitted Development Rights to be issued," said Murley.

BWEA has on its part engaged local councillors and planning officials through a series of 9 seminars in 12 UK regions, on the subject of wind energy deployment. More than 1000 officials attended over the last 3 months.

Contact

Alex Murley, BWEA Small Systems Manager, 0207 288 8372 / 07772 640 141 or alex@bwea.com

Nick Medic, BWEA Communications Manager, 0207 689 1935 / 07977 019 933 or nick@bwea.com

Notes to editors:

1. The British Wind Energy Association is the trade and professional body for the UK wind and marine renewables industries. Formed in 1978, and with 431 corporate members, BWEA is the leading renewable energy trade association in the UK.

2. BWEA Small Wind Systems UK Market Report 2008 can be seen here: www.bwea.com/pdf/small/BWEA_SWS_UK_Market_Report_2008.pdf

3. Small wind systems are those with a rating under 50kW, and can be either building mounted or free standing. Case studies show that, given good wind resources, a small wind turbine with a power rating of 11kW and a life cycle of 20 years can pay for itself in 5 years.

4. General Permitted Development Order is a legal instrument which allows micro-generation technologies to be deployed without planning consent, should specific criteria be met.