Report says wind power is key to a sustainable energy mix in the UK

Wind power can significantly reduce carbon emissions and is a reliable source of renewable energy for the UK, according to a recent report by renewable energy consultancy GL Garrad Hassan and the UK’s Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR). The report, titled "Beyond the Bluster," examines criticism and misconceptions about the overall effectiveness of wind power.

As a result of its location in the cross-stream of blustery Atlantic winds, the UK has an ideal geography to tap wind power as an alternative energy, and the government has invested heavily in both onshore and offshore wind power. But public criticism is on the rise. In February 2012, a group of more than 100 members of parliament sent a letter to Prime Minister David Cameron describing wind energy as “inefficient” and arguing for a cut in government support of onshore wind power.

In response, The UK government, which has pledged to produce 30 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020, is now conducting a review of the effectiveness of wind power, including its impact on energy costs, reliability and true carbon footprint.

“Claims that wind power is ineffective are not supported by the evidence,” said Joe Phillips, head of strategy and policy at GL Garrad Hassan. "Misinformation about the technology has created confusion and this report is part of our efforts to present the technical evidence – so people can make up their own minds.” 

The recently published report concluded that every megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity produced by wind power in Great Britain results in a minimum CO2 savings of around 350kg. The report also stated that adaptations to the electricity grid can enable a much greater contribution to the energy system than the present one. In 2011, wind power contributed approximately 15.5 MWh to the UK’s electricity generation and CO2 savings from wind energy were at least 5.5 million tons, it stated.

The report is published against the backdrop of heated political debate about the future of the UK energy sector, including comprehensive reform of the electricity market. Reg Platt, co-author and research fellow at the IPPR said: "Energy policy should be determined on the basis of evidence and not by political whim. The facts are clear: wind power is an effective technology that can produce beneficial outcomes for both UK consumers and the UK economy. There is a lot of unfounded bluster out there on wind power. We need to rise above this and stick to the facts, so that we don't squander the economic opportunities that this important technology can provide."

A copy of the report is available here: Beyond the Bluster.