Wind power generation is an important part of the growing renewable energy market, offering a clean source of energy across the world. In the UK, wind power generation on an industrial scale began in 1991 with the country’s first wind farm, and in 2007 it became the largest renewable energy source in the country, overtaking hydropower.
The UK is considered to be the windiest country in Europe and has potentially the largest offshore wind resource in the world, meaning that wind power generation will be critical in the UK meeting the EU’s renewable energy targets by 2020. The UK is one of nine European countries which have offshore wind farms, with more on the way in this country. In addition, onshore wind projects continue to be built.
Wind power generation in Europe as a whole is also on the increase. By the end of 2010 the EU had 84 GW of wind power capacity. Since 1st January 2009 the existing capacity has meant that Europe has produced
370,000 million KWh of electricity (as of July 2011) and saved 256 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.
In addition to the industrial wind power generation schemes, it is also possible to produce wind energy for your home or business. You will find lots more information on this on our main Wind Power page which also links to other pages of interest.
Sources: www.renewable-uk.com, www.ewea.org, www.wind-energy-the-facts.org 2011
