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Wind Power

Answer

There is currently no target for renewable energy in 2030. Estimates of how much electricity will be supplied by wind in 2030 differ greatly, reflecting high levels of uncertainty. The 2050 pathways analysis¹ has four trajectories for wind development, which have the following implications for wind deployment in 2030 (all shown in TWh/year in 2030):

TWh/year in 2030	Onshore wind	Offshore wind	Total wind
Level 1	22	22	43
Level 2	53	137	190
Level 3	82	213	295
Level 4	113	307	420

Future electricity and energy demand is also uncertain. Under the 2050 alpha scenario, for example (seven pathways were published), onshore wind and offshore are both assumed to be at level 2, and total electricity generation around 563TWh (nearly 50% higher than in 2009). In this scenario (one of many possibilities), wind would represent around 34% of total electricity generation.My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has written to the Committee on Climate Change asking them to consider the level of ambition for renewables for 2020 and possible pathways through to 2030. They should provide final recommendations by the end of March 2011.¹ 2050 Pathways Analysis available at:"http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/what_we-do/lc_uk/2050/2050.aspx"

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

25280; 519 c352W

Session

2010-12

Subjects

Wind power

Contains statistics

Yes

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk