Thursday 20 January 2011

UK leader in Offshore Wind

The UK produces the largest electrical output from offshore wind than any other European country according to latest statistics. With 1,341 MW installed the UK is then followed by Denmark (854MW) and the Netherlands (249MW).

Peter Madigan, RenewableUK Head of Offshore Renewables said: "The UK's offshore wind roll out is continuing at full speed. Last week the first turbines at Walney and Greater Gabbard have started delivering electricity to the grid. Once completed these two offshore wind farms will take the UK over the 2 GW mark. We now need to ensure that we are best poised to capture the full benefits such a massive infrastructure project offers, including increased employment and business activity."

The results, released by the European Wind Energy Association, show that 19,000 MW of offshore capacity is fully consented in Europe, highlighting the serious future offshore will play. Once constructed this could produce 66.6 TW hours of electricity in a year, enough to power 14 of the largest capitals in Europe.

Mr Madigan added: "We should ensure that new UK based factories are supplying the turbines for those 19,000MW of consented wind farms and beyond. This is a once in a generation opportunity and there is no reason why, given the right policy framework, we shouldn't stay on top of the offshore league."