Press Release
27 Apr 2010

Small Wind Systems UK Market Report 2010 published announcing UK manufacturing export revenue increased by 45% and figures are expected to show UK market growth up by 25%, with industry growth predicted to soar with Government’s new feed-in-tariffs.

The second annual International Small Wind Conference (ISWC 2010) organised by RenewableUK, the UK’s leading renewable energy association, is taking place in Glasgow from 27-28 April 2010. ISWC 2010 is set to be the biggest international small wind event ever held with over 700 delegates from more than 20 countries including China, Japan, Canada, US, Taiwan, Portugal, Holland and France.

The conference will see the launch of the industry’s Small Wind Systems UK Market Report 2010 which is expected to show record sector growth. The UK is already the second largest market in the world for small wind systems and the largest in Europe, with more than 20 UK turbine manufacturers supplying three quarters of demand for their home market. The figures from the report will reveal that Britain continues to lead the way in this field with the small wind market expanding by 25% on previous records to install 8.6MW in 2009. Manufacturing market revenues now stand at £17million with the sector providing almost 1800 jobs in the UK.

Compared with 2008 figures, UK manufacturing export rose by 45% to £8million providing an economic boost for the country. Helped by a weaker pound sterling this success equates to a 180% increase in export trade over the last three years.

RenewableUK predicts the Government’s new feed-in-tariffs could lead to further significant growth if the small wind sector is granted, as promised, a General Permitted Development Order (GPDO). This allows homeowners and businesses to install a small wind system without the need to obtain prior planning permission. Feed-in-tariffs have made installing a small wind turbine both financially and environmentally attractive. The installer can now reduce their energy bills, earn an income from supplying the grid with any surplus generated electricity and lower their carbon footprint.

Alex Murley, Head of Small Systems at RenewableUK said:

“The UK continues to be one of the best places in the world to install small wind systems providing you can obtain the necessary planning permission. Excellent wind resource, new financial incentives and a strong home manufacturing sector are helping the UK to consolidate its position as a world leader of this technology. Success at home is now being followed by success abroad with UK small wind manufacturers becoming a major force in fast-expanding international markets.”

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Notes to Editors
The report can be downloaded from www.renewable-uk.com/
ISWC 2010 includes two days of seminars, educational sessions and networking opportunities that will bring together all those with an interest in the global small wind sector including policy makers, regulators, manufacturers as well as consumers, farmers, landowners and businesses wanting to generate their own clean, green and renewable electricity.
The conference will feature an exhibition from over 30 companies displaying their products and offering advice and guidance for individuals interested in installing a small wind system in their home or business.
There will also be two free educational seminars during the conference. The first aimed at farmers and landowners and the second aimed at local authority planners and councillors.

For more information please contact:

Louise Jennings
Press Officer
RenewableUK
Tel: +44 (0)20 7901 3038
Mobile: +44 (0)79 6922 9913
Email: l.jennings@renewable-uk.com

Nick Medic
Head of Communications
RenewableUK
Tel: +44 (0)20 7901 3013
Mobile: +44 (0)77 9246 2719
Email: n.medic@renewable-uk.com

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Notes for Editors:

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