RenewableUK
Greencoat House , Francis Street , United Kingdom

About RenewableUK

RenewableUK is the UK's leading not for profit renewable energy trade association. Our vision is for renewable energy to play a leading role in powering the UK.

Harnessing the UK’s power for growth
Wind, wave and tidal energy are essential for our future. As an island the UK has some of the best natural resources in the world for these technologies, RenewableUK believes deploying them can generate significant power and benefit for the UK. Our role is to maximise this opportunity.

At the Heart of the Industry

As a trade association, RenewableUK acts as a central point of information and a united representative voice for our members. We conduct research, find solutions, organise events, facilitate business development and networking, and promote the benefits of wind and marine renewables to government, industry, the media and the public.

Leading Collaboration

We have a large corporate membership ranging from small independent companies, to international corporations and manufacturers active in UK wind and marine energy. Our board of directors is made up of key individuals from the membership, many of them industry leaders in their own right. Members also contribute to RenewableUK’s activities through our strategy and support groups.

A Strong Heritage

RenewableUK was formed in 1978 as The British Wind Energy Association (BWEA). The association has gone from strength to strength – mirroring the growth of an innovative industry. Our mission expanded in 2004 to champion wave and tidal energy, and our name changed to RenewableUK in 2010 to reflect these new technologies and our vision for the future.

 Renewable Energy

The UK has an abundant source of natural, clean power, derived from the wind, waves and tides that surround us. Unlike traditional fossil fuels, nature’s energy will never run out. Switching to renewable energy is essential for reducing the devastating effects of climate change, and protecting the natural environment for future generations. 

Wind Energy

Throughout history, communities have harnessed the power of the wind. Now, driven by the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and secure home-grown energy supplies, wind energy is the world's fastest growing renewable energy type.

Wind energy already makes a significant contribution to the UK, with an output of 15.5TWh in 2011 — equivalent to the annual electricity demand of 4.7 million homes.

Wind Turbines

Wind turbines are traditionally located onshore, and are increasingly installed offshore. Wind energy instillations range from large commercial wind farms to smaller developments, ideal for generating power for a household, farm or local community.

A single 2.5MW wind turbine can generate enough electricity to meet the annual needs of over 1,400 households, make 230 million cups of tea, or run the average computer for well over 2,000 years.

Depending on local wind speeds, a turbine will generate electricity 70–85 per cent of the time. The combined output of UK wind farms however show less variability, due to differences in wind speeds over the country as a whole.