Renewable energy: Wind power offers ''comprehensive set of benefits''

Posted by Andrew Marshall

Expansion of the UK''s sustainable construction market, including growth in the adoption of wind farms, will bring a ''comprehensive set of benefits'' comprising not only of clean, renewable energy, but also security and employment, an expert has said.

Statistics released this week by the European Wind Energy Association revealed that 2010 could be a record year for the growth of offshore wind generation.

A total of 118 new offshore wind turbines were connected to the grid in the first six months of the year, with a combined capacity of 333MW – we over half of the 557MW installed in 2009.

Nick Medic, head of communications at RenewableUK, suggested that greater use of sustainable construction products and renewable energy equipment could have wide-ranging advantages.

He explained: ''On the one hand, it''s contributing towards our carbon reduction targets; on the other it''s basically assuring our energy security, our domestic source of fuel that can actually be cheaper than fossil fuels; and on the third hand – if you don''t mind me putting it that way – we''re looking at jobs and economic benefits.''