The expansion of onshore and offshore wind farms is showing no signs of slowing down. Whilst the noise and appearance of a onshore wind farm can cause friction within communities living nearby – the need to invest in renewable energy can not be disputed. At the moment the UK is the world’s 8th largest producer of wind power and by 2020 it is estimated that they will have 28,000 MW of wind capacity. In 2012 they are currently at 34% of this target.

Key metrics:

  • In 2011 electricity generation from onshore wind increased by 45% and offshore wind increased by 68%
  • Wind farm submissions has increased from 80 in 2004 to 234 in 2011
  • There are currently 336 onshore and 16 offshore wind farms
  • Operational wind farms currently generate 6,836 megawatts, supplying around 5% of electricity to the UK

We have designed an infographic below which visualizes UK wind farm statistics (click to enlarge).

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