Changes to UK Feed-In Tariffs could benefit small wind systems

The UK has the best wind resources in Europe and is in the forefront of the small wind energy business. It is home to a number of leading manufacturers who achieved a 45.4% growth in export market revenues in 2009.

Since 1 April 2010 the small wind industry has been boosted by the new Feed-In Tariff (FIT) scheme that offers generous rewards for electricity generated using a range of technologies. Energy from small wind systems is now particularly attractive for businesses situated in windy coastal locations.

The key issue for any wind turbine will always be 'location, location, location' and the quality of the available wind resource, however the UK FIT scheme dramatically reduces pay-back times and makes more installation sites potentially profitable. The FIT scheme pays a generous tariff for all the electricity generated from renewable sources. For example, wind turbines of less than 1.5KW rated output attract a tariff of 34.5p per kWh, index linked for 20 years. Any surplus electricity exported to the grid attracts an additional 3p/kWh.

Obtaining planning permission for small wind systems in the UK should soon be simplified with the overdue introduction of 'General Permitted Development Orders' (GPDO).

Information on the new UK Feed-In Tariffs can be found on the WICO web pages in the Downloads section:

http://www.marinesoutheast.co.uk/wico/downloads/

For more information please contact Simon Powell simon@marinsoutheast.co.uk

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Posted 2010-05-20 12:10:34