Menu
14/10/2008
Wind Farms Should Be Built Closer To Land, Study Urges
The UK Government must be allowed to build wind farms closer to the shore if project developers are to meet renewable energy targets, a new study has urged.
The report, launched by the Carbon Trust, said the relaxation of the constraints that dictate where winds farms can be constructed could cut £16bn from the overall cost of developing offshore wind. This would also allow developers to complete projects in shorter time frames.
Under the proposals, the next generation of offshore farms proposed by the government will have to be built in deep water a minimum of 70 miles from the shore.
Allowing wind farms to be built nearer to the shore and in shallower waters is the key cost-saving measure that would allow 29GW of offshore wind farms to be built by 2020.
The report 'Offshore wind: big challenge, big opportunity' also calls upon the government to remove any planning obstacles and resolve grid connection problems that are inhibiting growth.
Tom Daley, Chief Executive of the Carbon trust said: "If we are to meet our 2020 renewable targets we need a dash for wind on a comparable scale to the dash for gas of the 1990s.
"Slashing the costs of offshore wind must now be a priority for UK energy policy. The Government must use the upcoming consultation on this important issue to unlock the most economically attractive sites for development."
He added: "This would dramatically reduce the cost of development - essential if we are going to meet our 2020 renewable targets and deliver significant reductions in our carbon emissions."
Duncan Ayling, Head of Offshore at the British Wind Energy Association said the report made a "clear case" for the urgent need to get the support for governing wind development right.
He said: "The outcome could be a revolution in the way electricity is produced and distributed in this country, with potentially 25% of UK electricity demand being powered by offshore wind."
John Sauven, executive director of Greenpeace also welcomed the report, saying offshore wind energy should form a vital component of a low carbon economy.
(JM)
The report, launched by the Carbon Trust, said the relaxation of the constraints that dictate where winds farms can be constructed could cut £16bn from the overall cost of developing offshore wind. This would also allow developers to complete projects in shorter time frames.
Under the proposals, the next generation of offshore farms proposed by the government will have to be built in deep water a minimum of 70 miles from the shore.
Allowing wind farms to be built nearer to the shore and in shallower waters is the key cost-saving measure that would allow 29GW of offshore wind farms to be built by 2020.
The report 'Offshore wind: big challenge, big opportunity' also calls upon the government to remove any planning obstacles and resolve grid connection problems that are inhibiting growth.
Tom Daley, Chief Executive of the Carbon trust said: "If we are to meet our 2020 renewable targets we need a dash for wind on a comparable scale to the dash for gas of the 1990s.
"Slashing the costs of offshore wind must now be a priority for UK energy policy. The Government must use the upcoming consultation on this important issue to unlock the most economically attractive sites for development."
He added: "This would dramatically reduce the cost of development - essential if we are going to meet our 2020 renewable targets and deliver significant reductions in our carbon emissions."
Duncan Ayling, Head of Offshore at the British Wind Energy Association said the report made a "clear case" for the urgent need to get the support for governing wind development right.
He said: "The outcome could be a revolution in the way electricity is produced and distributed in this country, with potentially 25% of UK electricity demand being powered by offshore wind."
John Sauven, executive director of Greenpeace also welcomed the report, saying offshore wind energy should form a vital component of a low carbon economy.
(JM)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 July 2009
Extra £1bn Pledged For Wind Farm Programme
Three UK-based banks start work today with the European Investment Bank (EIB) on a programme to lend up to £1 billion to onshore wind farms over the next three years.
Extra £1bn Pledged For Wind Farm Programme
Three UK-based banks start work today with the European Investment Bank (EIB) on a programme to lend up to £1 billion to onshore wind farms over the next three years.
18 December 2003
UK announces 'largest ever' green energy strategy
The largest ever expansion of renewable energy "anywhere in the world" has been announced today which aims to power more than one-in-six British households by 2010. The 15 new offshore wind farm sites will produce enough electricity for four million homes, the government said.
UK announces 'largest ever' green energy strategy
The largest ever expansion of renewable energy "anywhere in the world" has been announced today which aims to power more than one-in-six British households by 2010. The 15 new offshore wind farm sites will produce enough electricity for four million homes, the government said.
23 September 2010
World's Largest Wind Farm Officially Opens
The world's largest offshore wind farm in Thanet, Kent, has been officially opened today. Swedish energy firm Vattenfall, who built the wind farm, launched a new 100 turbine 300 MW offshore wind farm off the south east coast of England which produces enough energy to power more than 200,000 homes.
World's Largest Wind Farm Officially Opens
The world's largest offshore wind farm in Thanet, Kent, has been officially opened today. Swedish energy firm Vattenfall, who built the wind farm, launched a new 100 turbine 300 MW offshore wind farm off the south east coast of England which produces enough energy to power more than 200,000 homes.
21 October 2008
UK Is World Leader In Offshore Wind
The UK has overtaken Denmark to become the world's number one for wind farms built offshore, with 597MW fully constructed. The achievement has been made possible after building work finished at Centrica's Lynn and Inner Dowsing wind farms near Skegness. Offshore wind farms now have the potential to power the equivalent of around 300,000 UK homes.
UK Is World Leader In Offshore Wind
The UK has overtaken Denmark to become the world's number one for wind farms built offshore, with 597MW fully constructed. The achievement has been made possible after building work finished at Centrica's Lynn and Inner Dowsing wind farms near Skegness. Offshore wind farms now have the potential to power the equivalent of around 300,000 UK homes.
16 July 2003
Offshore wind farms could threaten future of fishing industry
The livelihoods of hundreds of Britain's fishermen could be put at risk by the Government's plans to build offshore wind farms, it has been claimed.
Offshore wind farms could threaten future of fishing industry
The livelihoods of hundreds of Britain's fishermen could be put at risk by the Government's plans to build offshore wind farms, it has been claimed.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
