Wind energy to power a million homes

The British Wind Energy Association says the UK wind industry will power a million homes within the next two years.

Figures released this week by the association show a series of projects totalling over 1,000MW of new capacity – representing an investment of around £1bn – will be completed in that time. This will lead to total wind power capacity of over 1,500MW by the end of 2005.

The association says 22 wind projects are due to be built this year, providing a total wind capacity of 474MW. This is four times the total capacity created last year. The new developments include that at Scroby Sands near Great Yarmouth, which is the site of the UK's second large-scale development at sea.

A survey of five major developers revealed a predicted 560MW of onshore and offshore projects being built in 2005. This would take new build over the next two years to over a gigawatt, with the wind industry supplying 1.3% of UK electricity needs.

The chief executive of BWEA, Marcus Rand, said: "2003 was the year of consents: 2004 will be the year of build."