The UK has potentially the largest offshore wind energy resource in the world and it is estimated that there is enough energy available from this form of renewable energy to power the country almost three times over. Offshore wind energy is therefore expected to significantly contribute to the government’s 2010 target for renewable energy, and in fact is already doing so.
The first offshore wind energy project was completed in Blyth in 2000 but it was only in 2003 that the first large scale offshore wind farm was constructed at North Hayle in North West England. This was closely followed in 2004 by a farm at Scroby Sands in Norfolk. The largest offshore wind energy site is also now situated in the UK at the Kentish Flats where it went into operation in 2005. Altogether offshore wind energy now produces over 600 MW of power in the UK and a large number of further sites already have approval for offshore wind farms around our coastline.
The British Wind Energy Association is involved in both the offshore and onshore wind industries. Their recommendations state that future sites should be a minimum of 5km from the shoreline, although many will probably be further than this. Even at 5km they are not considered to be an eyesore and at about 8km distance can only be seen on very clear days. For more information on offshore wind energy in the UK including locations of approved and pending sites, visit the BWEA website. The site includes details of environmental concerns and some photographic images of offshore wind farms.
Some energy companies offer green tariffs which use renewable energy including wind power. You can search for green tariffs at our Gas and Electricity Marketplace.
Source: www.bwea.com 2009
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