The United Kingdom is at the forefront of wind turbine energy in Europe and for good reason. Its location, long coastline, and strong winds produce perfect conditions for wind electricity. That is why the UK has hope of reaching its very ambitious and legally binding plan of zero greenhouse emissions by 2050. Thanks to the energy transition and switch from coal to renewable energy sources, the United Kingdom may be the country to watch out for in the green energy market.
Wind farms are a big part of Britain’s plan of zero emissions. They are the main source of electricity in the UK in the last six months. In the first quarter of 2024, wind energy generated 25.3 terawatt hours (TWh), compared to 23.6 TWh from all fossil fuel sources. This great amount of electricity was generated not only by big wind farms, but also by small wind turbines. This type of renewable energy is getting more and more popular in the UK, in many ways thanks to the great financial support offered by the British government.
Types of Financial Support
One of the key factors for businesses or homeowners looking to install a wind turbine as a renewable energy source is securing the right financing. There are several options to consider, such as leasing the land to a supplier or fully owning the turbine to take advantage of the profits generated through a Feed-in Tariff. Each path offers different financial benefits, depending on your goals and involvement in the project.
Wind Turbine Grants
The landscape of possible wind turbine grants for SWTs in the UK is very wide. Government, local administration, private organizations: there are many options to choose from.
– Community Energy Fund (CEF) supports residents of rural areas, who want to create more sustainable projects in their homes and companies. The Fund has 10 million pounds to give away to interested parties.
– The Northern Powergrid Foundation is an independent charity that wants to empower communities who are interested in renewable energy solutions. The Foundations offers help for residents of North East, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.
– Northern Gas Networks (NGN) offers funding to grassroots organizations and vulnerable households. Grants of up to £21,000 are available.
– Thrive Renewables Community Benefit Programme offers grants of up to 4500 pounds for upgrading community buildings and village halls.
Homeowners and businesses who are interested in turbine finance can also count on a lot of support from organizations like North East Community Foundation, Low Carbon Culture and Community Project, Zero Carbon Cumbria, Action with Communities in Rural England, and many more.
Are you one of the homeowners interested in the subsidy and you want to see if a small wind turbine is a good solution for your household or company? Contact us to evaluate wind potential in your region.
Financing and Loans
UK’s citizens interested in financing and loans for their residential wind turbine can count on a lot of banks and investor groups, who support green initiatives.
– Charity Bank: gives loans to communities and social enterprises – (from 50 000 to even 2,5 million pounds)
– CO2Sense: loan fund for renewable energy projects, which helps with development costs
– Coop Financing: loans for community groups (10 000 – 75 000 pounds)
– Ethex
– Pure Leapfrog
Net metering in the United Kingdom
Residents interested in wind turbines can also profit from net metering. Thanks to this option, they can connect their SWTs installation to the grid and give back the surplus electricity. Then, when the wind conditions are worse, the household can draw the needed power from the grid.
Small wind turbines are usually not connected to the grid – they charge batteries and store the power needed for the house. They are a great supplemental energy source and help to reduce the dependence on the national grid.
Key Factors to Consider Before Installing Small-Scale Wind Turbines
Before investing in a small wind turbine, there are a few considerations you should keep in mind:
wind potential: you should analyze the wind conditions in your region. Understand the average wind speed, and how consistent it is. These factors will directly affect the production of energy by your SWT.
local zoning and permits: review zoning laws in your area and inquire about permits needed. To go through the installation process smoothly, you will have to comply with these regulations.
cost of installation and maintenance: before your wind investment look into the total cost of installing a SWTs, as well as wind turbine maintenance cost. It will depend on a lot of factors, but it’s good to be prepared.
Financial Benefits of Small Wind Turbines
Small wind turbine investment can provide substantial financial benefits over time. By generating your own electricity, you can significantly reduce energy costs compared to traditional power sources. As electricity prices continue to rise, the savings on your utility bills will accumulate, eventually covering the initial investment.
Beyond reducing energy expenses, installing a small wind turbine can increase the value of your property. As more buyers seek energy-efficient homes with lower utility costs, a small wind turbine becomes a highly desirable feature, making your home more attractive in the market.
In many regions, financial incentives such as tax credits and rebates are available for those who install small wind turbines. These incentives help to further reduce the upfront costs, making the investment even more affordable and rewarding in the long run.
Long-Term Savings and Efficiency
Is wind energy efficient? Several key elements affect how well small wind turbines perform. Wind speed and direction are critical, with stronger winds producing more power. The height and placement of the turbine also matter, as taller structures can access more consistent, less turbulent winds. Additionally, the blade design and materials influence overall performance, and the efficiency of the generator impacts how effectively mechanical energy is converted into electrical power.
Also, proper design is key to maximizing the effectiveness of small wind turbines. The size of the rotor and the area it sweeps determine how much wind energy is captured. Tower height and stability are important to position the turbine in stronger wind zones. Blade pitch control ensures efficient energy capture across varying wind speeds, while power regulation systems keep the turbine operating safely and efficiently. That is why it’s crucial to choose the right producer of your SWTs like Freen, to ensure that your investment is efficient.
Are you interested in the subsidy and you want to see if a small wind turbine is a good solution for your household or business? Let us help! Register here to book free feasibility study.
Installation and Maintenance
Installing a wind turbine can be a smart investment for UK homeowners, offering a renewable energy source and potentially reducing electricity bills. Installation costs typically range from 20,000 pounds to 50,000 pounds, depending on factors like the size of the turbine and the location.
routine inspections: performed yearly to ensure efficient operation.
lubrication and cleaning: done bi-annually to keep moving parts running smoothly
electrical inspections: annual checks to confirm all components are functioning correctly.
A well-maintained small wind turbine typically lasts between 20 and 25 years. To ensure it runs efficiently and remains reliable over time, regular maintenance and monitoring are crucial.
The Future of Financial Support for Wind Energy
The new UK government has set bold targets to expand wind energy, aiming to double the energy coming from onshore wind and quadruple the energy coming from offshore wind farms by 2030, as part of their plan to fully decarbonize electricity. This means ramping up onshore wind from 15 GW to 30 GW and taking offshore wind, where the UK already leads Europe, from 15 GW to 60 GW. It’s an ambitious challenge.
The new government will also need to attract a huge amount of investment to make their energy goals a reality. A key player in this will be the new state-owned company they’re establishing, called “Great British Energy.” GB Energy will directly invest in energy infrastructure while also encouraging private sector investment. Its main priorities will be deploying current technologies, supporting the growth of new ones, and boosting community ownership. Of the company’s initial 8.3 billion pounds endowment, 3 billion pounds will be allocated to local community projects. While this is a positive step, the bulk of the funding needed to meet the new energy targets will still come from private investment.
