The UK wind sector has reached a landmark 6 gigawatts of installed capacity – enough to supply electricity to 3,354,893 homes – according to RenewableUK, the trade association representing the renewable energy industries. The 6GW threshold was reached by the Ormonde offshore wind farm, off the coast of Cumbria, which now has 120 megawatts (MW) operational – enough to power more than 67,000 homes.
“There’s a great feeling of pride throughout the industry that we’ve reached a record high of 6 gigawatts, and there’s a further 19.5GW of capacity under construction, consented, or in planning,” comments Maria McCaffery, chief executive of RenewableUK. “The Government’s Renewable Energy Roadmap is calling for 31GW of onshore and offshore wind combined by 2020, and we’re confident that we can deliver this if we continue to get the right level of Government support.”
CAPTION:
Turbine installation at the Ormonde Offshore Wind Farm.