Reports
Wind power is a large-scale, reliable source of power that's already having a major positive impact; it provides enough electricity to supply over 1.5 million homes every year. But we've barely scratched the surface! The following reports detail the contibution large-scale wind development can make to our longer term energy needs, and also address some of the issues about the effects of wind energy development.
(Please note that further source material and reports can be found in the WIND FACTS section of this website. These are available through the interactive links within the Expert articles on the relevant subject.)
FOE Booklet - Wind power: your questions answered
This is exactly what it says. It's a 20 page A5 booklet which answers all the key qusetions about noise, wildlife, reliability, visual appearance etc. It also sets out why we need wind energy in the context of climate change. An invaluable resource document for 'beginners' and 'old hands' alike. Read the booklet
Positive planning for onshore wind - RSPB report
The UK could greatly increase the number of onshore wind farms it builds without trashing wildlife. So says an RSPB-commissioned report from the Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP), which found the UK lagging far behind in the drive for wind power. The report calls on the Government to step in to ensure better and quicker decisions on wind farms, while protecting wildlife and winning the backing of local communities. Read the report
Managing Variability
Prominent energy analyst David Milborrow's review on wind power, Managing Variability, found evidence, and a consensus of expert opinion, that demonstrates:
- Wind power can significantly reduce our climate damaging carbon emissions
- Fluctuations in wind strength can be managed technically and at modest and declining cost.
- High proportions of wind power in our energy mix are feasible, and are already successfully integrated in other countries.
- A range of technological developments already underway could allow for a steadily increasing use of wind power and the phasing out of conventional carbonbased fuels as a backup technology.
Read full report
Read summary: Keeping the Lights On
Implications of the UK meeting its 2020 Renewable Energy targets
If the government is serious about renewables and energy efficiency, Britain doesn’t need to build major new power stations to keep the lights on, according to this report by independent energy experts Pöyry. The report also concludes that a strong drive for energy efficiency and renewable energy can reduce emissions and assist energy security.Read the report
Offshore Wind Onshore Jobs - A New Industry for Britain
This report assesses the potential job benefits arising from offshore wind power development in the UK, and in particular the North-East of England. Read the report
Sea Wind Europe
How offshore wind can help the EU face the twin threats of climate change and the need to guarantee energy security. Read the report
Sea Wind East
How offshore wind in East Anglia could supply a quarter of the UK's electrcity needs. Read the report
Global Energy Output
This report explains why wind is the most attractive solution to the world's energy challenges, and demonstrates that wind technology is not a dream for the future – it is real, it is mature and it can be deployed on a large scale. Read the report
Offshore Wind - Implementing a New Powerhouse for Europe
Wind power is the fastest growing energy technology in the world. It has proved that renewable energy is ready and able to match conventional energy technologies euro foreuro, kilowatt for kilowatt. The industry has now developed technology of sufficient size, reliability and efficiency that it is ready to unlock the vast offshore wind resources that exist around the world. In Europe alone, the North and Baltic seas boast massive wind resources that have so far remained largely unexploited. Read the report
Wind Power in the UK
The Sustainable Development Commission's guide to the key issues surrounding onshore wind power development in the UK. Read the report
