Boom time for wind power

The wind industry is expanding rapidly and has enjoyed a record year for investment in the UK, a new report showed today.

Predicted expansion should bring £7bn (€10bn) of new investment by the year 2010, according to the British Wind Energy Association.

New figures showed that 10 new wind projects have already been commissioned in the UK this year and two more will be commissioned by the end of December – three times as many as last year.

There are 18 wind projects under construction and 33 schemes were given planning approval, with another 94 waiting for commission.

Marcus Rand, the association’s chief executive, said: “These are exciting times for the wind industry. At long last we are developing a healthy and vibrant market in the UK, the windiest nation in Europe.

“This year has been a record-breaking one for the industry and the indications are that next year will be even bigger.”

Mr Rand called for continuing support for the onshore and offshore wind projects coming on stream and said that power generated by wind was essential for the British government to reach its targets on renewable energy as well as improving the UK’s security of supply.