http://www.bwea.com/media/news/ en Copyright 2008 Fri, 05 Dec 2008 10:50:16 +0000 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Renewable energy interests must be protected offshore BWEA, UK's wind, wave and tidal association, today welcomed the inclusion of the Marine and Coastal Access Bill into the Queen's Speech, but cautioned that renewable energy interests must be protected in final legislation. The Bill promises greater confidence and economic benefits for marine developers through simplification of the legislative framework. It should help balance the interest of all the users of the marine environment, from conservation to renewable energy by promoting sustainable development. Maria McCaffery MBE, Chief Executive of the BWEA: "The Marine and Coastal Access Bill is a pioneering piece of legislation, but we must ensure that it allows for the expansion of marine renewable energy, including offshore wind, wave and tidal." While BWEA recognises the scope and ambition of the Government's long awaited Marine Bill, it has also raised 4 issues:

• the timetable of the Bill must be complementary with the Round 3 offshore wind energy delivery process;
• the Marine Management Organisation must be fit for the purpose: well resourced and with sustainable development clearly defined within its remit;
• Marine Policy Statements must explicitly include renewable energy targets.
• The new network of Marine Conservation Zones should be designated by the new MMO, as is proposed in the legislation being considered in Scotland. The designation process must consider the impact on all future use in terms of renewable energy developments

"The Marine and Coastal Access Bill has been long time coming. We will be the first country in the world to have such legislation. We must get it right," added McCaffery. "It would be a pyrrhic victory if short term conservation undermined long term sustainability and our ability to tackle climate change". Also of interest to the renewables sector was the Education and Skills Bill, particularly the provisions to create a new National Apprenticeships Service and secure a demand-led adult skills system, driven by learners and employers. The industry hopes the Bill will help alleviate skills shortages in the renewable energy sector. For more information please contact: Charles Anglin, BWEA Director of Communications, on 020 7689 1966 / 07956 859 749 or c.anglin@bwea.com Nick Medic, BWEA Communications Manager, 0207 689 1935 / 07977 019 933 or n.medic@bwea.com Notes: The British Wind Energy Association is the trade and professional body for the UK wind and marine renewables industries. Formed in 1978, and with 453 corporate members, BWEA is the leading renewable energy trade association in the UK. Wind has been the world's fastest growing renewable energy source for the last seven years, and this trend is expected to continue with falling costs of wind energy and the urgent international need to tackle CO2 emissions to prevent climate change.]]> http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/uk_has_unique_opportunity_to_d.html http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/uk_has_unique_opportunity_to_d.html Fri, 05 Dec 2008 10:50:16 +0000

The British Wind Energy Association is the trade and professional body for the UK wind and marine renewables industries. Formed in 1978, and with 453 corporate members, BWEA is the leading renewable energy trade association in the UK. Wind has been the world's fastest growing renewable energy source for the last seven years, and this trend is expected to continue with falling costs of wind energy and the urgent international need to tackle CO2 emissions to prevent climate change.

The wind industry is experiencing significant growth, three years ago in 2005 it reached 1 gigawatt of installed wind capacity, last month it passed the 3GW mark and within another three years it will achieve 8GW. Within 5 years wind is anticipated to overtake nuclear energy in terms of installed generating capacity.

As of October 2008 there were just over 20GW worth of wind energy schemes at one stage or another in the development cycle.

Onshore status	Schemes	MW Cap	Offshore Status	Schemes	MW Cap
Operational	186	2,590	Operational	7	566
Under construction	27	772	Under construction	7	467
Approved, not built	131	3,379	Approved, not built	9	3,413
In planning	262	7,142	In planning	5	1,678

]]> http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/wind_industry_welcomes_climate.html http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/wind_industry_welcomes_climate.html Mon, 01 Dec 2008 09:05:40 +0000

The British Wind Energy Association is the trade and professional body for the UK wind and marine renewables industries. Formed in 1978, and with 446 corporate members, BWEA is the leading renewable energy trade association in the UK. Wind has been the world's fastest growing renewable energy source for the last seven years, and this trend is expected to continue with falling costs of wind energy and the urgent international need to tackle CO2 emissions to prevent climate change.

Much of the national grid network is over 40 years old, with 60% needing to be upgraded or replaced over the next 5-10 years. In order to integrate the new decentralised energy sources such as wind experts estimate that the grid's capacity will need to grow from 75GW today to 120GW within a decade. Under the current regime, as a private monopoly, National Grid's investment plans are overseen by Ofgem. Ofgem insists that the cost of each new connection is underwritten by the energy company that wants access to the grid. This means that investment is piece-meal and ad-hoc and often only carried out on like for like basis.

BWEA released figures this week showing that the UK had passed the historic landmark of 3GW of installed wind capacity, enough to power 1.7million homes, making it 5th in the world in terms of installed wind. As well as passing Denmark as the largest generator of offshore wind in the world.

BWEA is holding its 30th anniversary conference at the ExCel Centre in Docklands over 3 days from October 21-23.

]]> http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/wind_industry_says_massive_inv.html http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/wind_industry_says_massive_inv.html Wed, 22 Oct 2008 11:50:37 +0000 New Government department expected to deliver on renewable energy targets BWEA, UK's leading renewable energy trade association, welcomed today's announcement on the creation of the Department for Climate Change and Energy. Adam Bruce, BWEA Chairman, said: "The industry believes that forming a department which tackles climate change and energy supply at the same time, is the right way forward if the UK is to deliver on the 2020 renewable energy targets." BWEA believes that having one department whose remit will be developing energy policy while working to mitigate effects of climate change, could also focus efforts to ensure security of supply. "This is an example of joined up thinking that we have been calling for, which should make a difference both in terms of reducing UK's carbon emissions, and ensuring a sustainable and affordable energy future," concluded Bruce. Charles Anglin, BWEA Director of Communications, on 020 7689 1966 / 07956 859 749 or charles@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. EU 2020 renewable energy targets mandate that each EU country sources a portion of its energy from renewables. The target for UK is 15%. ]]> http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/bwea_welcomes_department_for_c.html http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/bwea_welcomes_department_for_c.html Fri, 03 Oct 2008 10:18:59 +0000 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. ]]> http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/small_wind_systems_80_annual_g.html http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/small_wind_systems_80_annual_g.html Small Systems Fri, 19 Sep 2008 13:25:16 +0000 'National office to make sure potential of renewables is fulfilled' BWEA, UK's leading renewable energy trade association, today welcomed Secretary of State John Hutton's announcement on the proposed Office for Renewable Energy Deployment. The office, which should be up and running in the spring of 2009, pending the outcome of the Renewable Energy Strategy consultation, will address 'barriers to renewables deployment including helping to develop the UK supply chain'. Launched as part of Government's new framework for UK manufacturers, the initiative will help UK firms take advantage of "opportunities opened up by the move towards a low carbon economy" with the express aim of helping UK's renewables industries 'to become world-leaders in green technologies'. Maria McCaffery, BWEA Chief Executive said: "When it comes to R&D, the UK has been leading the world in areas such as wave and tidal, large turbine testing and small systems. But we have seen delays on deployment and this is where we hope the Government's new initiative will make a difference. We are pleased that the Secretary of State has firmly backed a dedicated task force which will take a lead on this issue." However, in welcoming the initiative BWEA also pointed out that since the office will be located within the Department of Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, it could fail to address the lack of co-ordination between various Government departments including DEFRA, DCLG and the MOD, all of which have a stake in the deployment of renewables. BWEA is calling for the creation of a Government sub-committee to co-ordinate efforts to deliver the 2020 targets across all Government Departments. Recent reports suggest that a drive to achieve EU 2020 targets of sourcing 15% of UK's energy from renewables could create 160 000 'green collar' jobs. The framework named 'New Challenges, New Opportunities' aims to kick start the process by implementing a host of ideas aimed at UK manufacturers including new Manufacturing Technology Centers, apprenticeship schemes and school campaigns. "The wind, wave and tidal sector is poised for spectacular growth. We now have over 6GW of wind farm capacity approved and waiting to be deployed, with wave and tidal, and small systems expected to significantly contribute to achieving our 2020 targets. The Government initiative has come not a moment too soon," concluded McCaffery. More information:

• Charles Anglin, BWEA Director of Communications, 0207 689 1966 / 07973 481 907 or charles@bwea.com
• Nick Medic, BWEA Communications Manager, 0207 689 1935 / 07977 019 933 or nick@bwea.com

NOTES 1. Formed in 1979, BWEA is UK's biggest renewable energy association, with over 420 members from the wind, wave and tidal sectors. 2. For a copy of the framework announcement please see http://nds.coi.gov.uk/environment/fullDetail.asp?ReleaseID=378308&NewsAreaID=2&NavigatedFromDepartment=True 3. Douglas Westwood report quoted in the Renewable Energy Strategy document, page 220, estimates the renewable energy sector could generate 160 000 jobs in Britain by 2020. ]]> http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/office_for_renewable_energy_de.html http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/office_for_renewable_energy_de.html Tue, 09 Sep 2008 10:13:51 +0000 For more information call: Charles Anglin, BWEA Director of Communications, 020 7689 1966 / 0774 002 3641 or charles@bwea.com NOTES TO EDITORS

• The British Wind Energy Association is the trade and professional body for the UK wind and marine renewables industries. Formed in 1978, and with over 400 corporate members, BWEA is the leading renewable energy trade association in the UK. Wind has been the world's fastest growing renewable energy source for the last seven years, and this trend is expected to continue with falling costs of wind energy and the urgent international need to tackle CO2 emissions to prevent climate change.
• In accordance with 2007 market share figures taken from BWEA small wind systems UK market report 2008, and Energy Saving Trust Capacitor factors for micro- and small-wind turbines, 1.5 tWh would equate to approximately 2 million micro- and small-wind installations.
• In 2007, approximately 3500 micro- and small-wind turbines were deployed with the UK, an 80% increase on 2006 annual deployment figures.
• 41.3tWh of electricity equate to 8% of UK annual electricity demand, http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file46983.pdf.
• BWEA Small Systems Webpage: www.bwea.com/small
• Carbon Report: http://www.carbontrust.co.uk/News/presscentre/Small-Scale-Wind-Energy.htm

]]> http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/millions_of_consumers_waiting.html http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/millions_of_consumers_waiting.html Small Systems Fri, 08 Aug 2008 15:21:10 +0000 "Important to support EU Commission's wording of the Renewables Directive, 'Connect and Manage' way forward" BWEA, UK's leading renewable energy association, today called on the Government to support EU Commission's wording of the Renewables Directive. The directive could have long lasting implications on the take up of renewables in the UK and reaching climate change targets. BWEA supports the new Directive containing a duty on member states to introduce priority access 'or equivalent measures' for renewables. Nic Rigby, Head of BWEA Grid Strategy Group and Head of Strategy at npower renewables, emphasised that the wind industry is firmly behind "Connect and Manage" proposals: "Renewables need speedy and reliable connection to the grid system. The wind industry has long called for a system of 'connect & manage, where clean power from renewable generators, such as wind farms, can get access within time it takes to get planning consent." "Connect and Manage" would encourage the take up of renewables, as renewable energy suppliers could install capacity knowing that it will be connected as soon as the build-out is finished. According to a recent report 9.3GW of projects were currently waiting to be connected. "The EU Directive's priority access provision is mainly designed for the continental market, which is structured differently from the UK's. However, unless we get a robust and genuine connect and manage system here in the UK, we will need strong EU legislation to guarantee that the grid is opened up and renewables are not left at the back of the queue," concluded Rigby. For more information call: Charles Anglin, BWEA Director of Communications, 020 7689 1966 / 0774 002 3641 or charles@bwea.com Nick Medic, BWEA Communications Manager, 0207 689 1935 / 0797 701 9933 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 over 400 corporate members, BWEA is the leading renewable energy trade association in the UK. Wind has been the world's fastest growing renewable energy source for the last seven years, and this trend is expected to continue with falling costs of wind energy and the urgent international need to tackle CO2 emissions to prevent climate change. 2. A recent report from the select committee on Innovation, Universities, Science and Skills said 9.3GW of wind power projects were currently waiting to be connected - the equivalent of a new generation of nuclear power station. ]]> http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/bwea_government_should_support.html http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/bwea_government_should_support.html Fri, 08 Aug 2008 11:42:42 +0000 More info: Charles Anglin, BWEA Communications Director charles@bwea.com 020 7689 1966 0774 002 3641 Notes to editors The British Wind Energy Association is the trade and professional body for the UK wind and marine renewables industries. Formed in 1978, and with 413 corporate members, BWEA is the leading renewable energy trade association in the UK. Wind has been the world's fastest growing renewable energy source for the last seven years, and this trend is expected to continue with falling costs of wind energy and the urgent international need to tackle CO2 emissions to prevent climate change. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on the 13th June. This identifies the structure for how BWEA, Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, Department of Transport, NATS En Route, the Civil Aviation Authority and the Ministry of Defence will work together in addressing issues. The MOU encompasses an Aviation Plan, which a newly set up Aviation Management Board of senior representatives from each stakeholder has overall responsibility of. The Board is guided by an Aviation Advisory Panel, made up of radar experts from each party of the MOU, which makes recommendations on the prioritisation of mitigation activities. ]]> http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/wind_industry_welcomes_major_a.html http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/wind_industry_welcomes_major_a.html Fri, 08 Aug 2008 11:39:09 +0000 Wales's biggest ever renewable energy conference opens in Cardiff Delegates from the UK wind, wave and tidal industries will gather in Cardiff tomorrow for BWEA Cymru 08, the largest ever conference dedicated to Wales's renewable energy sector. The conference is taking place in St David's Hotel Cardiff, with more than 200 delegates and 25 exhibitors in attendance. Jane Davidson AM, the Welsh Assembly Government Environment Minister, will open the conference with a speech outlining WAG's ambitious plans for Wales's electricity supply to be powered entirely from renewables by 2028. WAG's recently published Renewable Energy Route Map called for Wales to produce 33 Terrawatt hours (TWh) of renewable electricity a year. Wind's contribution to this total means installing over 3,000MW of capacity - the equivalent of at least 3 Wyfla nuclear power stations - in Wales by 2028. John Woodruff, Chairman of BWEA Cymru said "The self sufficiency target is bold and exciting, but we need concrete measures on the ground in order to deliver it." He added "Too many wind farms are stuck in planning for far too long. Wales is already in danger of missing its much weaker 2010 target of 800MW of onshore wind and 200MW of offshore wind." So far only one 4.5 MW wind farm, consisting of 3 turbines, was built in Wales in the last 12 months. The conference will hear calls for the WAG Energy Strategy, which is expected to be published this Autumn, to contain strong new measures to make sure that WAG's ambitions are not frustrated by foot dragging from local authorities. BWEA Cymru is calling for the Energy Strategy to include:

• A new series of interim targets for renewable electricity generated annually:
  • 2015 - 10TWh
  • 2020 - 15TWh
  • 2025 - 25TWh
  • 2030 - 33TWh
• Stronger planning guidance to local authorities to ensure that they meet their TAN8 obligations.
• A commitment to work with industry, OFGEM and National Grid to upgrade grid connections, particularly in Mid Wales & offshore.

The UK Government recently announced its own ambitious plans to deliver 15% of the UK's energy supply from renewables by 2020. That would mean 35-40% of the UK's electricity coming from renewables within 12 years, with wind providing the bulk of this total. Woodruff commented " Wales has rich natural resources which could be powering our economy- we should be a powerhouse for renewable energy'. He added 'However, without swift action to kickstart the planning approvals process and sort out grid connections Wales will miss the bus on renewable energy.' ]]> http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/welsh_wind_industry_calls_for.html http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/welsh_wind_industry_calls_for.html Wales Wed, 09 Jul 2008 09:05:21 +0000

Introduce new binding regional targets for the delivery of local renewable energy schemes.

Initiate action to upgrade the ageing national grid network to allow for the speedy connection of new wind farms.

Extend the life of the Renewables Obligation, the support system that guarantees a long term market for renewable energy.

Support measures to resolve a range of aviation issues currently holding up determinations of wind farm applications in the planning system.

The strategy will provide fresh impetus to the industry's investment plans, with 19GW worth of schemes already in the system at one stage or another of development, including nearly 7GW either already approved or actually under construction. Industry analysis of wind schemes already within the system shows that by 2013 installed wind capacity should overtake installed nuclear capacity in the UK with over 8.5GW operational. By 2015 there will be 6GW of wind operational offshore alone. From 2015 onwards the next generation of offshore wind farms will start to become operational delivering up to 20GW of offshore wind schemes by 2020. The strategy also highlighted the economic potential of expanded wind power, with a new Government study accompanying the strategy indicating that 160,000 new green collar manufacturing jobs would be created by having 33GW of offshore wind. McCaffery commented "Government and industry now need to work together to ensure that the majority of these new jobs are based in the UK." She added "getting this strategy has been a hard won victory for the wind industry but at last the Government has woken up to the potential represented by renewables. This is a big step forward -" she further commented "The Government is saying 'Yes to wind' and we give the strategy a thumbs-up, however words will not be enough - now we have to deliver this strategy with decisive action." ]]> http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/windrush_as_industry_hails_rou.html http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/windrush_as_industry_hails_rou.html Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:14:32 +0000 Wind industry body sets facts straight on costs of renewables BWEA, the body representing the UK's wind, wave and tidal industry today moved to rebut claims made in a new report by the Centre for Policy Studies (CPS). The Government will tomorrow launch its highly anticipated Renewable Energy Strategy that will set out the proposed routemap for achieving the ambitious target of delivering 15% of all of the UK's energy from renewables by 2020. Maria McCaffery, BWEA Chief Executive "Wind energy could be delivering 33GW, nearly 30% of the UK's electricity by 2020. There are already 19GW at one stage or another in the system, either in operation, being built or waiting for planning." She added "This reports is little more than rehashing of old myths, half truths and misconceptions". The report makes a number of unsubstantiated assertions: Myth: Wind receives a public subsidy of £1bilion a year. Fact: There is no public subsidy paid for wind. The Renewables Obligation is a requirement on supply companies to source a given percentage of their energy from renewables. Certificates are then given for each MWh of energy sourced, which can then be traded. This is a market based support mechanism which means that no public money is transferred. Wind accounts for only 1/3 of the RO take. Wind is currently more expensive to produce than more traditional forms of energy because of capital construction costs, however both oil and gas prices have doubled in the last year and when combined with a carbon price of 25-30 euros per tonne wind is competitive in price. Myth: Wind is intermittent and unreliable Fact: Wind energy is variable, however the typical wind farm operates 85-90% of the time. On average a UK onshore wind farms runs at its maximum capacity for 28% of the time, while offshore this is over 45%. This compares to a 61% 'capacity factor' for UK nuclear power stations in 2006, however unlike wind, nuclear power is truly 'intermittent' - either on a full blast or off entirely. Myth: Wind needs massive amounts of back-up supply from fossil fuels Fact: The is no form of energy supply that is 100% available, 100% of the time. The National Grid currently runs about 15% spare back-up capacity for all forms of electricity supply. There is always wind somewhere in the UK, and a lack of wind in one area is cancelled out by wind in others. The Government's own independent energy think-tank UK Energy Research Council, estimates that increased wind use would require back-up supply of up to 10% of the additional wind capacity. While National Grid believe that 35GW of wind would require an additional 3.5-6.5GW of short-term back-up supply, with an estimated cost to consumers of £6-£12 a year on the average £390 annual bill. Myth: Wind turbines are inefficient Fact: A wind farm is efficient if it produces more energy than it takes to build or operate. The average wind farm repays this 'energy debt' within the first 6-8 months of its operation. Myth: Increased use of wind will increase electricity prices Fact: Emerging evidence from Germany, Denmark, Ireland and Spain shows that increased use of wind actually reduces prices paid by consumers. Once capital construction costs are paid wind is virtually free to use - the electricity network uses wind energy whenever it is available as the lowest cost supply. This drives off more expensive forms of energy from the grid, meaning that the price paid by the consumer actually falls the more wind is used to produce electricity. Myth: Not enough turbines can be built in time Fact: Turbine manufacturing and installation capacity is concentrated on onshore wind, as offshore currently only represents 2% of the European market, however by 2020 that will grow to 20%, the vast majority of which will be in the UK. As new offshore sites are identified and allocated to developers, manufacturers will open new factories to meet the increased demand. There is expected to be over £40billion of investment in offshore wind over the next decade and a half, creating over 150,000 new jobs. Myth: Wind would cause unnecessary expense in upgrading National Grid Fact: The National Grid is old, and designed for a different era. Over the next 5-10 years up to 60% of the network needs to be upgraded or replaced irrespective of the need for renewables. This provides a once in a lifetime opportunity for reconfiguring the grid to meet the 21st century economic and environmental needs. McCaffery added "Tomorrow's renewable Energy Strategy has the chance to make a giant step forward for the UK's economy, energy security and our ability to tackle climate change. The government must not be deflected by ill-informed critics and NIMBYs pursuing their own agendas." ]]> http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/antiwind_report_peddles_myths.html http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/antiwind_report_peddles_myths.html Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:28:37 +0000 Wind Industry welcomes The Crown Estate offshore announcement BWEA, the UK wind industry trade association has welcomed the Crown Estate's announcement of a speeded up timetable for allocating the next generation of offshore wind farm sites. Speaking at BWEA's Offshore 08 conference in Westminster, Rob Hastings, Director of the Marine Estate for The Crown Estate revealed that significant zones for 25GW of wind farms will be tendered out to developers through the summer of next year. This will halve the expected time taken for the initial development stages, with the first phases of the new Round 3 wind farms likely to start operating in 2015. Maria McCaffery MBE, BWEA Chief Executive said "This is fantastic news for the UK wind industry, with Britain's seas now officially opened for business. This announcement has brought delivery of the 2020 renewable energy targets a great deal closer" The Crown Estate has identified an initial 11 zones, which they expect to allocate to developers next year. After this they will then work with the developers to identify specific sites within the zones. This allocation process will be based on the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) being carried out by BERR, which will examine issues such as the impact on wildlife and habitat, shipping lanes and fishing, with the zones being adjusted to reflect the SEA findings. Once the individual sites have been finalised The Crown Estate could co-fund the final stages of the planning process with developers. By 2013 individual sites will start to receive planning permission, with the first phases of the new wind farms becoming operational in 2015. McCaffery said 'BWEA has been calling for the approvals process to be reduced from an average of 8-9 years down to 5-6 years. This timetable is a very positive move forward. A wide range of developers are already looking to enter the offshore market - if the Government now acts to speed up the rest of the site assessment and approval process we are confident that we can deliver on time" She added "There was a lot of scope for cutting the previous timescales for Rounds 1 & 2. If we are going reach the 2020 deadline then we must act on the lessons from the earlier rounds to get rid of excessive assessment burdens on developers and cut the time it takes to get planning permission'. ]]> http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/britains_seas_open_for_busines.html http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/britains_seas_open_for_busines.html Offshore Wed, 04 Jun 2008 14:43:40 +0000 For further information contact: Charles Anglin, Director of Communications charles@bwea.com 020 7689 1966, 0797 348 1907 Nick Medic, Communications Manager nick@bwea.com 020 7689 1935, 07977 019 933 Notes to editors

• BWEA (British Wind Energy Association) is the trade body for the UK wind and marine renewables industries. Formed in 1978, and with over 370 corporate members, BWEA is the leading renewable energy trade association in the UK. Wind has been the world's fastest growing renewable energy source for the last seven years, and this trend is expected to continue with falling costs of wind energy and the urgent international need to tackle CO2 emissions to prevent climate change
• The London Array is the biggest wind farm project in the world. When finished it will consist of 341 turbines, with an installed capacity of over 1 GW. Based approx. 20 miles of the coast of Essex, in the middle of the Thames estuary, it could generate enough electricity to power a quarter of London's homes. The three consortium members were looking at building costs of around 2.4 billion, spread over the next six to seven years.
• Increased demand for turbines and components have driven up prices for the offshore sector in the past 2 years, as Round 2 projects have reached a development stage. However, as more sites come on stream manufacturers are already increasing their capacity and prices are expected to level off as capacity expands.
• The Government announced Round 1 of the leasing process for offshore wind farm sites in 2001 and Round 2 in 2003. The London Array is a Round 2 project. Together the two rounds represent 8GW worth of wind farm schemes. The Government announced the beginning of Round 3 in December last year, which will be assessing a further 25GW worth of sites, which would be expected to come online after 2015.
• The Round 2 Greater Gabbard project, for a 500MW offshore wind farm, was developed by Airtricity and the Fluor Corporation, after securing planning permission Fluor sold its stake to Airtricity, and the project is on course and has since signed a deal for 140 turbines.

]]> http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/business_as_usual_for_wind_ind.html http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/business_as_usual_for_wind_ind.html Thu, 01 May 2008 12:19:22 +0000 Notes to Editors

• BWEA is the trade and professional body for the UK wind and marine renewables industries. Formed in 1978, and with over 380 corporate members, BWEA is the leading renewable energy trade association in the UK. Wind has been the world's fastest growing renewable energy source for the last seven years, and this trend is expected to continue with falling costs of wind energy and the urgent international need to tackle CO2 emissions to prevent climate change;
• Micro- and small-wind is the only microgeneration industry in which the UK leads the world. None the less micro- and small-wind is still an emerging technology and thus still requires the necessary government support so to capitalise on current potential;
• Phase I of LCBP provides grants to householders of up to £2,500 per property towards the cost of installing a certified product by a certified installer. From April 1st new applications are being invited until June 2010 or until there are no more funds available whichever is the sooner, with the scheme to close in March 2011. Information on the household phase of the LCBP is available from the website at http://www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk, or from the helpline on 0800 915 0990.
• Phase II of LCBP provides grants for the installation of microgeneration technologies to public sector buildings (including schools, hospitals, housing associations and local authorities) and charitable bodies. From April 1st grant caps will be increased to 50% across all technologies, bringing them in line with the funding available for solar PV funding. Grants of up to £1m are available per eligible site. Information on phase II of the LCBP is available from the website at http://www.lowcarbonbuildingsphase2.org.uk, or from the helpline on 08704 23 23 13

Charles Anglin, BWEA Director of Communications, on 0207 689 1966/0797 348 1907 or charles@bwea.com Nick Medic, BWEA Communications Manager, on 0207 689 1935 / 0797 701 9933 or nick@bwea.com]]> http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/wind_industry_frustration_at_g.html http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/wind_industry_frustration_at_g.html Small Systems Fri, 04 Apr 2008 10:24:35 +0000