The use of wind as a renewable energy resource is already well established in
the UK and the UK has the greatest wind energy potential in Europe. However, it
still contributes a relatively small amount of energy to our overall needs.
There are still a number of issues that need to be addressed in this area including
improving efficiencies, improving reliability, handling intermittency of supply
and environmental issues together with public perception and acceptability.
To support the research effort in this area our wind energy portfolio currently
consists of 11 projects worth £10.8 million. This includes the
SUPERGEN Wind consortium and a new £5.9 million
Doctoral training centre at the University of Strathclyde.
A number of the projects are collaborative with industry and other institutes
such as the
British Geological Survey,
Plymouth Marine Laboratory,
Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory and
Scottish Association for Marine Science.
Research highlights include the highly regarded report by UKERC on
“The Costs and Impacts of Intermittency”, dealing largely with the intermittency
inherent in wind generators. The report was targeted at non-specialists and policy
makers, but also provided new information for the expert community.
Future research in wind energy will help ensure that the governments future renewable
energy targets are met, specifically addressing the challenges of installing and
operating offshore wind farms.
Related links