http://www.bwea.com/small/ en Copyright 2009 Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:59:59 +0000 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss UK manufacturing industry casts aside economic gloom to become world's largest exporter A global study released by the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) today, flagged up significant international growth in demand for small wind technology. BWEA's own figures released last week recognised the UK as the world's biggest exporter of turbines in the sub 50kW division, last year deploying 4.7MW in international markets. The study's author Ron Stimmel of AWEA said: "The UK currently exports more small wind systems than any other country in the world and has a great potential domestic market. In the US, the world's largest small-wind market, the federal government recently enacted a long-term financial incentive for small wind turbine consumers that could bring a 30-fold growth to the US industry in as little as five years. With the right policies, the UK market could see similar growth." UK manufacturers currently hold an 82% revenue share of the UK market and export 50% of their output to over 100 countries worldwide. Benefiting from a weak British pound, 2008 export revenues for UK companies doubled and in the same year the sector created 500 new UK based jobs. The AWEA Small Wind Turbine Global Market Study commented: "The cleantech economy sector in general has been relatively strong throughout the global recession and credit crisis, and small wind is no exception. Even amidst the downturn, economies of scale are beginning to take shape in the industry and growth projections are the strongest in the industry's 80-year history" . Alex Murley, BWEA Small System Manager, said: "In the context of the current economic climate, record falls in UK manufacturing output, and challenging times for the UK green agenda, this news represents a glowing success story for a vibrant world leading UK manufacturing industry. If the UK marketplace is supported now, this promising UK sector could supply fast expanding global markets for decades to come." Since 2005, over 10,000 small systems have been deployed in the UK, equating to over 20MW of installed electrical capacity. In total, this growing industry now provides 1,880 UK based jobs. Leonard McGrill, Chairman of Iskra Wind Turbines: "We hope that unlike big wind, the UK's early technical lead will result in sustainable long term success, and the Government should further expand support to this potentially very big industry." David Sharman, Director of Ampair, added: "It would be helpful if the UK followed through on current successes with a strong feed-in tariff for small wind and a predictable planning system, to consolidate UK leadership in small wind manufacturing." For more information:

• Charles Anglin, BWEA Communications Director, 020 7901 3010 / 0774 002 3641 or c.anglin@renewable-uk.com
• Nick Medic, BWEA Communications Manager, 020 7901 3013 / 0779 246 2719 or n.medic@renewable-uk.com
• Alex Murley, BWEA Small Systems Manager, 0207 901 3022 / 0777 264 0141 or a.murley@renewable-uk.com

Editorial notes: (1) The British Wind Energy Association is the trade and professional body for the UK wind and marine renewables industries. Formed in 1978, and with 468 corporate members, BWEA is the leading renewable energy trade association in the UK. Wind has been the world's fastest growing renewable energy source for the last seven years, and this trend is expected to continue with falling costs of wind energy and the urgent international need to tackle CO2 emissions. (2) AWEA Small Wind Turbine Market Global Study: http://www.awea.org/smallwind/pdf/09_AWEA_Small_Wind_Global_Market_Study.pdf (3) The key findings of the global study were:

• Global market (0-100kW products) 2008: 39.7MW (53% global market growth over 2007)
• Global market (0-50kW products) 2008: 28.3MW
• Largest world market (0-100kW) was the US: 17.3 MW
• UK market (0-50kW) 2008: 7.24MW = 25% of global demand, second largest world market behind US.

(4) BWEA Small Wind System UK market report 2009 was launched at last week's International Small Wind Conference. The key headline findings were:

• Over 500 UK based jobs created between 2007 and 2008;
• The UK small wind industry now provides 1,880 UK based jobs;
• UK SWS installed capacity now exceeds 20MW, with 7.24MW installed in 2008;
• Over 10,000 small wind systems deployed in the UK since 2005;
• Export revenue for UK manufacturers doubles between 2007 and 2008;
• Over 10,000 small wind system exported by UK manufacturers since 2005;
• UK manufacturers now export 50% of output to over 100 countries;
• UK manufacturers currently hold an 82% revenue share of the UK market;
• Micro- and small-wind is the only microgeneration technology in which the UK holds global leadership.

]]> http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/global_study_hails_growth_for.html http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/global_study_hails_growth_for.html Small Systems Fri, 01 May 2009 10:12:18 +0000 International Small Wind Conference. The report assesses the current size and dynamic of the world's second largest market for small wind systems, the United Kingdom. Currently, 82% of the UK market is supplied by UK based manufacturers who also export significant proportions of output to over 100 countries world wide. Beyond offering indications towards future market development, this report also provides an introduction to small wind system technology, explains the current UK and export market and discusses the continued growth for the sector both in the UK and overseas. Key findings :

• Over 500 UK based jobs created in 2008;
• The UK micro and small wind industry now provides 1,880 UK based jobs;
• UK SWS installed capacity now exceeds 20MW, with 7.24MW installed in 2008 alone;
• Over 10,000 small wind systems deployed in the UK since 2005;
• Export revenue for UK manufacturers doubles between 2007 and 2008;
• Over 10,000 small wind system exported by UK manufacturers since 2005;
• UK manufacturers now export 50% of output to over 100 countries;
• UK manufacturers currently hold an 82% revenue share of the UK market.

Click here to view the report (PDF format)]]> http://www.bwea.com/small/articles/bwea_small_wind_system_uk_mark.html http://www.bwea.com/small/articles/bwea_small_wind_system_uk_mark.html Small Systems Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:59:59 +0000 Current economic climate stimulates growth for UK small wind industry BWEA, UK's leading renewable energy association, indicated today that the export segment of the UK small wind sector is reporting stronger growth due to weakened pound and increase in demand from abroad. The figures due to be released in full at the International Small Wind Conference on 22nd April, organised by BWEA and the Building Research Establishment (BRE), show a doubling of export revenues compared to 2007. The news follow this week's announcement on the increase in financial support for electricity generated by micro and small wind turbines installed in the UK. From 1st of April electricity generated by small turbines qualifies for 2 ROC's. Alex Murley, BWEA Small Systems Manager: "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. What we need now is action to increase deployment in the UK." Currently, small wind systems account for over 20 Megawatts of installed wind capacity in the UK. However, according to BWEA estimates the potential of the sector is to deliver 1.3 gigawatts of capacity by 2020, given the right level of policy support. The BWEA's second Small Wind Systems UK Market Report is expected to announce continued strong growth for the sector in the UK and in the export markets. Since 2005 UK small systems manufacturers have exported over 10 000 small turbines. "History has shown us that countries like Spain, Denmark, and Germany have vibrant large wind turbine manufacturing industries, because their respective governments supported indigenous markets at an early stage. If sufficiently supported now, the emerging UK small wind industry could supply rapidly expanding world markets for decades to come, delivering UK based jobs, environmental and lucrative economic benefits," concluded Murley. For more information please contact Alex Murley, BWEA Small Systems Manager on 07772 640 141 or at a.murley@renewable-uk.com or Nick Medic, BWEA Communications Manager on 0207 689 1935/07792 462719 or at n.medic@renewable-uk.com. NOTES: 1. On the 22nd of April 2009 BWEA and BRE will jointly host the inaugural International Small Wind Conference. Fort more details visit www.iswc2009.com. 2. The British Wind Energy Association is the trade and professional body for the UK wind and marine renewables industries. Formed in 1978, and with 461 corporate members, BWEA is the leading renewable energy trade association in the UK.]]> http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/export_markets_open_for_small.html http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/export_markets_open_for_small.html Small Systems Fri, 03 Apr 2009 15:55:24 +0000 http://www.bwea.com/small/articles/bwea_releases_clarification_no.html http://www.bwea.com/small/articles/bwea_releases_clarification_no.html Small Systems Fri, 20 Mar 2009 13:05:15 +0000 Wind trials confirm importance of good sites for small wind systems BWEA, UK's leading renewable energy trade association, reiterated the importance of site assessment in deploying small wind systems, following yesterday's launch of the Encraft Warwick Wind Trial report. Commenting on the report Alex Murley, BWEA Small Systems Manager said: "The results show that turbines need to be placed in environments that offer good wind speeds. The UK is the windiest country in Europe and there are thousands of such sites, many of which have been used to good effect and offer owners of small wind systems not just savings on their electricity bills, but an opportunity to export surplus energy to the grid." The majority of the turbines in the Warwick report were monitored in an urban environment known to offer, on average, lower electricity yields than rural open spaces. Wind system installers and small wind systems suppliers recommend that on-site wind speed data and careful measurements are taken over a period of time prior to installation. The trial showed that despite installer and customer optimism, only 5 of the 26 sites where turbines were monitored have an annual average wind speed of over 5 m/s, considered a lower limit of commercial viability. As the trial demonstrates, the national wind speed database (NOABL), a UK Government webtool often used to predict onsite wind resource, can systematically overstate wind speeds in urban areas by 40-75% and potentially exaggerate turbine outputs by a factor of 8 or more if used simplistically. Murley added: "Over the last three years BWEA has developed robust industry standards for both products and installers, to better educate would-be consumers on what the technology can achieve, if sited and installed correctly. The overwhelming majority of small wind system installations are a success - when they are sited properly they save money and energy. The Warwick trials do not show that small wind is not viable. We know that it is, and the experience of thousands of UK users bears this out." The UK leads the world in the manufacture of micro and small-wind turbines, exporting 40% of product to over 100 countries. BWEA called on the Government to support further growth of the sector by urgently addressing the planning system which is preventing thousands of UK households and businesses from generating their own clean green energy. For more information please contact:

• Alex Murley, BWEA Small Systems Manager on 0207 288 8372 or on 07772 640 141, e-mail: alex@renewable-uk.com
• Charles Anglin, BWEA Director of Communications on 0207 689 1966 or on 07740 023 641, e-mail: charles@renewable-uk.com
• Nick Medic, BWEA Communications Manager on 0207 689 1935 or on 07792 462 719, e-mail: nick@renewable-uk.com

Notes to editors The British Wind Energy Association is the trade and professional body for the UK wind and marine renewables industries. Formed in 1978, and with 453 corporate members, BWEA is the leading renewable energy trade association in the UK. Wind has been the world's fastest growing renewable energy source for the last seven years, and this trend is expected to continue with falling costs of wind energy and the urgent international need to tackle CO2 emissions to prevent climate change. The UK small and micro wind systems sector has been growing at an annual rate of 80%. The BWEA's first annual small systems market report shows that growth will continue into 2009 and 2010. For a copy go here: www.bwea.com/pdf/small/BWEA_SWS_UK_Market_Report_2008.pdf The trial results are available here http://www.warwickwindtrials.org.uk/ ]]> http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/location_location_proper_turbi.html http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/location_location_proper_turbi.html Small Systems Wed, 14 Jan 2009 09:45:44 +0000 http://www.bwea.com/small/articles/international_small_wind_confe.html http://www.bwea.com/small/articles/international_small_wind_confe.html Small Systems Thu, 11 Dec 2008 15:10:22 +0000 First BWEA Small Systems Report points to spectacular sector growth - but planning still an issue BWEA, UK's leading renewable energy trade association, identified very strong annual growth for small wind turbines in terms of units installed, with the Government being urged to streamline planning and come out with much stronger backing for the burgeoning sector. The first BWEA Small Wind Systems UK Market Report, published this week, projects that 3 previous years of interrupted growth will continue through 2008 and into 2009, with the UK retaining the mantle of world leader in small systems technology. However, the 80% growth is driven not just by technological improvements, but also by realisation that there are huge energy savings to be made by deploying small turbines. Alex Murley, BWEA Small Systems Manager said: "With large economic and export opportunities at stake, the UK is in an ideal position to support a strong manufacturing industry in a fast growing global sector, with the potential of delivering tens of thousands of UK based jobs." At the same time, there was continuing consternation at the Governments lack of clear guidance to local planning authorities, which would assist those who wish to generate their own renewable energy. In 2006 as part of the Micro-generation Strategy published by the DTI (now DBERR) there was a commitment to address planning as a barrier to deployment. "Two years after Government promised to tackle this issue, industry, local authorities and consumers are still waiting for detailed planning guidance and Permitted Development Rights to be issued," said Murley. BWEA has on its part engaged local councillors and planning officials through a series of 9 seminars in 12 UK regions, on the subject of wind energy deployment. More than 1000 officials attended over the last 3 months. Contact Alex Murley, BWEA Small Systems Manager, 0207 288 8372 / 07772 640 141 or alex@renewable-uk.com Nick Medic, BWEA Communications Manager, 0207 689 1935 / 07977 019 933 or nick@renewable-uk.com Notes to editors: 1. The British Wind Energy Association is the trade and professional body for the UK wind and marine renewables industries. Formed in 1978, and with 431 corporate members, BWEA is the leading renewable energy trade association in the UK. 2. BWEA Small Wind Systems UK Market Report 2008 can be seen here: www.bwea.com/pdf/small/BWEA_SWS_UK_Market_Report_2008.pdf 3. Small wind systems are those with a rating under 50kW, and can be either building mounted or free standing. Case studies show that, given good wind resources, a small wind turbine with a power rating of 11kW and a life cycle of 20 years can pay for itself in 5 years. 4. General Permitted Development Order is a legal instrument which allows micro-generation technologies to be deployed without planning consent, should specific criteria be met. ]]> http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/small_wind_systems_80_annual_g.html http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/small_wind_systems_80_annual_g.html Small Systems Fri, 19 Sep 2008 13:25:16 +0000 For more information call: Charles Anglin, BWEA Director of Communications, 020 7689 1966 / 0774 002 3641 or charles@renewable-uk.com NOTES TO EDITORS

• The British Wind Energy Association is the trade and professional body for the UK wind and marine renewables industries. Formed in 1978, and with over 400 corporate members, BWEA is the leading renewable energy trade association in the UK. Wind has been the world's fastest growing renewable energy source for the last seven years, and this trend is expected to continue with falling costs of wind energy and the urgent international need to tackle CO2 emissions to prevent climate change.
• In accordance with 2007 market share figures taken from BWEA small wind systems UK market report 2008, and Energy Saving Trust Capacitor factors for micro- and small-wind turbines, 1.5 tWh would equate to approximately 2 million micro- and small-wind installations.
• In 2007, approximately 3500 micro- and small-wind turbines were deployed with the UK, an 80% increase on 2006 annual deployment figures.
• 41.3tWh of electricity equate to 8% of UK annual electricity demand, http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file46983.pdf.
• BWEA Small Systems Webpage: www.bwea.com/small
• Carbon Report: http://www.carbontrust.co.uk/News/presscentre/Small-Scale-Wind-Energy.htm

]]> http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/millions_of_consumers_waiting.html http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/millions_of_consumers_waiting.html Small Systems Fri, 08 Aug 2008 15:21:10 +0000 Join BWEA and be part of your industry! BWEA has introduced a new Memberships stream for Small Systems Installers and Consultants. BWEA is the leading business organisation for the UK micro- and small-wind industry and welcomes closer participation with any individual or organisation interested in becoming more involved with industry, or simply in accessing the latest news and publications for this fast expanding sector. Current BWEA Small Systems membership includes all major small wind turbine manufacturers, installers, distributors, test and certification bodies, academic institutions and utility companies. BWEA background:

• BWEA acts as a central point of information for our membership;
• BWEA promotes micro- and small-wind to national media and the British public;
• BWEA promotes industry interests through lobbying the UK Government and devolved powers;
• BWEA researches and finds solution to current policy and technical issues through numerous industry working groups;
• BWEA owns and operates the BWEA Small Wind Turbine Performance and Safety Standard;
• BWEA has a professional staff of over 20 at our Islington offices tackling renewable energy policy, communication of the industry view, events, parliamentary affairs, health and safety, and technical issues.

The following links provide more information:

• BWEA Membership
• Benefits of BWEA membership
• BWEA Membership fees
• Current BWEA Small Systems Membership
• Current BWEA Small Systems Installer and Consultants Membership (to follow)

]]> http://www.bwea.com/small/articles/new_bwea_membership_stream_for.html http://www.bwea.com/small/articles/new_bwea_membership_stream_for.html Small Systems Tue, 29 Apr 2008 10:32:12 +0000 Notes to Editors

• BWEA is the trade and professional body for the UK wind and marine renewables industries. Formed in 1978, and with over 380 corporate members, BWEA is the leading renewable energy trade association in the UK. Wind has been the world's fastest growing renewable energy source for the last seven years, and this trend is expected to continue with falling costs of wind energy and the urgent international need to tackle CO2 emissions to prevent climate change;
• Micro- and small-wind is the only microgeneration industry in which the UK leads the world. None the less micro- and small-wind is still an emerging technology and thus still requires the necessary government support so to capitalise on current potential;
• Phase I of LCBP provides grants to householders of up to £2,500 per property towards the cost of installing a certified product by a certified installer. From April 1st new applications are being invited until June 2010 or until there are no more funds available whichever is the sooner, with the scheme to close in March 2011. Information on the household phase of the LCBP is available from the website at http://www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk, or from the helpline on 0800 915 0990.
• Phase II of LCBP provides grants for the installation of microgeneration technologies to public sector buildings (including schools, hospitals, housing associations and local authorities) and charitable bodies. From April 1st grant caps will be increased to 50% across all technologies, bringing them in line with the funding available for solar PV funding. Grants of up to £1m are available per eligible site. Information on phase II of the LCBP is available from the website at http://www.lowcarbonbuildingsphase2.org.uk, or from the helpline on 08704 23 23 13

Charles Anglin, BWEA Director of Communications, on 0207 689 1966/0797 348 1907 or charles@renewable-uk.com Nick Medic, BWEA Communications Manager, on 0207 689 1935 / 0797 701 9933 or nick@renewable-uk.com]]> http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/wind_industry_frustration_at_g.html http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/wind_industry_frustration_at_g.html Small Systems Fri, 04 Apr 2008 10:24:35 +0000 http://www.bwea.com/small/articles/bwea_meets_with_scottish_gover.html http://www.bwea.com/small/articles/bwea_meets_with_scottish_gover.html Small Systems Mon, 31 Mar 2008 10:22:11 +0000

Charles Anglin, BWEA Director of Communications, on 020 7689 1966 / 07956 859 749 or charles@renewable-uk.com

Nick Medic, BWEA Communications Manager, on 020 7689 1935 / 07977 019 933 or nick@bwea.co.uk

]]> http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/wind_industry_adopts_new_stand.html http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/wind_industry_adopts_new_stand.html Small Systems Wed, 19 Mar 2008 10:20:17 +0000 New regulations to be introduced to relax planning rules for small & micro wind projects BWEA the trade association representing the UK's micro and small wind industry today welcomed the Govt's decision to relax planning rules for onsite household & business wind turbines. The Govt plans to allow householders & businesses to install wind turbines with a diameter of up to 2m, without having to get planning permission from local councils. Alex Murley BWEA Small Systems Manager said "Planning is one of the major blockages to providing onsite renewables for homes and business" he added "thousands of applications are stuck in the planning process, this reform will make it much easier for consumers to supply their own clean, green energy." The Govt is introducing a new regulation as part of its reform of the planning system, the General Permitted Development Order (GPDO), to relax planning red tape for local renewable energy. Micro wind has passed the first stage of being included in the new guidance having won UK Government approval from DCLG, it now has to be referred to the EU for final ratification before coming into force in the Autumn, along with approvals for air-source heat pumps. Notes to Editors

• The British Wind Energy Association is the trade and professional body for the UK wind and marine renewables industries. Formed in 1978, and with over 310 corporate members, BWEA is the leading renewable energy trade association in the UK. Wind has been the world's fastest growing renewable energy source for the last seven years, and this trend is expected to continue with falling costs of wind energy and the urgent international need to tackle CO2 emissions to prevent climate change
• Micro- and Small-wind is still an emerging technology and thus still requires the necessary government support so to capitalize on current potential, none the less Micro- and Small-Wind is the only microgeneration industry in which the UK leads the world.
• The micro & small wind industry has worked with Government DCLG, BERR, DEFRA, to deliver the new GPDO proposals for wind.
• Micro & small wind systems are defined as though capable of generating 50kw or less of energy.

]]> http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/govt_gives_green_light_to_micr.html http://www.bwea.com/media/news/articles/govt_gives_green_light_to_micr.html Small Systems Sat, 08 Mar 2008 14:16:36 +0000 http://www.bwea.com/small/articles/govt_gives_green_light_to_micr.html http://www.bwea.com/small/articles/govt_gives_green_light_to_micr.html Small Systems Sat, 08 Mar 2008 10:13:27 +0000