Assimilating wind [wind energy contribution to UK energy needs]

The belief that wind energy can make only a marginal contribution to the UK's energy needs is based on fundamental misconceptions. The DTI suggests that up to half of the 2010 target for renewable electricity (10%) could be met by wind energy. The British Wind Energy Association argues that this is quite feasible and has carried out a detailed analysis, suggesting possible regional distributions. The industry struggles, however, to overcome misconceptions. 'What happens when the wind stops blowing?' is a frequent question, and even power engineers suggest-quite erroneously-that thermal plant must be held in readiness to pick up any reductions in output. It is also argued that electricity distribution systems, designed to cope with power flows from central power stations, cannot easily cope with power from wind farms flowing in the opposite direction. Although this may be true in some locations, wind is no different from any other form of generation-welcome in some locations, but more difficult to assimilate in others. Experience in Denmark suggests such problems can be overcome, with wind now accounting for more than a third of the generation capacity in Jutland. This paper discusses the issues and involved in overcoming the misconceptions. No matter how strong the engineering argument for wind energy, as with any other energy option, wind power will only be deployed on a significant scale if it can generate electricity at a cost comparable to alternative forms of generation technology. The latest figures suggest that wind is more than equal to this challenge.