The future for wind energy development in the U.K.; Prospects and problems

There are now 22 windfarms with a total installed capacity of approximately 140 MW which are operational or under construction in the U.K. These windfarms will generate about 360 GWh in a full year and provide the electricity needs of about 250,000 individuals and save the emission of about 400,000 tonnes of CO2 each year. Developments so far have required an investment of about £140 million provided mostly by banks and large corporate investors. Financing of these projects has broken new ground for renewable energy technologies and established a framework for the financing of windfarms built in the U.K. and elsewhere in the world. This rapid development has created challenges for the planning process and thirteen public inquiries have been held. Eight of these have been successful. Statutory and other bodies have responded to the rapid deployment of windfarms by issuing guidelines and these together with Public Inquiry documentation now provide invaluable guidance for the industry.