08 Apr 2009 06:04:02
Small wind sector shows how UK can lead low carbon economy
The small wind sector, which has experienced a doubling in exports, has shown how the UK can lead in the transition to a low carbon economy, according to an industry body.
Figures from the British Wind Energy Association (BWEA) have revealed that a combination of increased overseas demand and a weakened pound led to the doubling of export revenues between 2007 and 2008 in the wind microgeneration sector.
Alex Murley, BWEA small systems manager, said: "The small wind sector is demonstrating that the UK can have a world-leading low carbon industry. UK small wind system manufacturers have consistently shown that they can compete in world markets."
He added that the technology should be further supported in the UK, where small wind accounts for just 20 megawatts of installed capacity.
The BWEA believes the sector could supply up to 1.3 gigawatts of capacity by 2020.
Starting next year, small scale wind power installations will earn feed-in tariffs, or above market payments, per unit of electricity they sell to the grid.
http://www.bwea.com
