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17 June 2005 - The UK wind energy industry has now installed over 1000 MW of wind capacity - making it one of only eight countries in the world to have surpassed this figure.
The official opening today of the most powerful wind farm in the UK to date, the 39 turbine 58.5 MW Cefn Croes wind farm in Ceredigion in Wales, brings the total to 1037.7 MW from 1273 turbines, which together generate sufficient electricity to meet the needs of well over half a million households - or a fifth of homes in greater London.
British Wind Energy Association (BWEA) CEO Marcus Rand commenting on this industry landmark stated: "Wind energy in the UK has now firmly arrived. The industry is experiencing record growth and will continue to grow both on and offshore over the coming years as it plays its key role in helping to meet the Government's climate and renewable targets.
We anticipate a further six gigawatts of new wind projects will be up and running in the UK by the end of 2010, split evenly between on and offshore developments. Achieving this objective will deliver energy security, environmental and industrial benefits for the UK."
Breaking the gigawatt barrier comes in a record year of growth for the UK wind industry, with a total of 18 new wind projects totalling some 500 MW of capacity expected to be officially commissioned by year end, taking UK wind generation to over 1 per cent of UK electricity supply, and on track for expectations of the sector. The UK wind industry is projected to meet some three quarters of the Government's target for renewables by 2010, representing an investment of £7bn into the sector, according to a survey carried out by the British Wind Energy Association.
The news that wind broke the gigawatt barrier coincides with the release of a new opinion poll carried out as part of BWEA's Embrace the Revolution campaign, which was launched in Wales today. The research shows that an overwhelming majority of people in Wales - three quarters - agree that wind farms are necessary to help meet the country's current and future energy needs.
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