http://www.newenergyworldnetwork.com/renewable-energy-news/by-technology/wind/uk-wind-power-increases-24-in-q4-2010.html
Wind power accounted for 24 per cent more of the UK’s energy supply in the fourth quarter of 2010 than the equivalent period of 2009, according to the latest statistics from RenewableUK.
Wind delivered over ten terawatt hours (TWh) in the whole of 2010, representing 7.7 per cent growth year-on-year.
The annual growth reported is particularly significant given media coverage that suggested the contribution of wind during late 2010 was negligible.
The renewable energy organisation’s growth projections show that at least 3GW of wind capacity will be added to the UK grid by 2012.
Alex Murley, RenewableUK’s head of technical affairs, said, ‘The contribution of wind in 2010 to the UK’s electricity supply was almost 3 times that of hydro.
‘This is sufficient electricity for well over two million homes. In terms of quarter four 2010, all indicators point to the fact that wind delivered a record contribution of electricity to the grid, both 20 per cent higher than Q3 2010 and 24 per cent higher than the comparable Quarter of 2009.’
RenewableUK’s latest estimates show that in addition to the current installed capacity of 5.2GW, at least 3GW are expected to come on stream by the end of 2012, increasing the annual contribution of wind electricity to around 22TWh.
‘The message from the statistics released today is clear: wind is becoming the dominant renewable technology in terms of consistent growth and units delivered to consumers. Further deployment is set to enhance our energy security and create new low carbon industries,’ said Murley.