WHY WIND POWER?

Wind power is now the world's fastest-growing energy source and a vital part of mankind's response to the twin challenges of global warming and security of future energy supplies.

Renewable sources of energy include solar power, biomass, hydro, wave and tidal power. These sources of energy are carbon neutral and the source of the fuel is totally sustainable.

Wind power has been around for quite some time, having been used for centuries in windmills for grinding grain or pumping water. Over the last 20 years, technological advances in modern wind turbines mean that wind energy has become the one of the leading renewable energy technology to be developed on a commercial and cost-effective scale.

The UK is by far the windiest country in Europe, making it an attractive location for wind energy development. It is widely expected by the Government and industry experts that wind power will supply the majority of the renewable energy generated in 2010 and 2020 (i).

Wind power alone is not going to solve the climate change problem. Amongst other things, improving domestic and industrial energy efficiency, reducing our transport, heating and cooling needs, better soil management to reduce the use of fertilizers and cutting the amount of waste going to landfill all need to be addressed, if we are to tackle the climate change problem.

However, because of the complexity of the issue and the urgent need for action, none of these sectors can wait for the other sectors to sort out their climate change impacts - we all need to do something in every aspect of our lives.

Wind power is an economic and tried and tested technology. As the windiest country in Europe, it is only sensible for the UK to make use of this natural, safe and abundant energy source.

References

• Sustainable Development Commission (2005) Wind Power in the UK