§ Mr. Nigel EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the efficiency of wind turbines compared to other sources of renewable energy. [165517]
§ Mr. TimmsThe capacity factor, sometimes referred to as the load factor, is the energy generated during a given period divided by the energy generated that would have been generated had the wind turbine been operating at maximum output.
Figures for average capacity factor for individual wind farms are not available for reasons of commercial confidentiality. However, the most recent figures available show an average load factor for all UK windfarms as being 29.9 per cent. in 20021. Separate figures for offshore wind farms are not yet available as UK's first major offshore wind farm at North Hoyle has only 1een operational since 66W November last year. However, we would expect average load factors to be greater due to the superior offshore wind resource.
The Oxera Report2 puts the cost of onshore wind in 2004 at £31/MWh and offshore wind at £55/MWh. This is expected to fall to £25/MWh and £37/MWh respectively by 2020.
The cost of wind compared to other forms of renewable generation can be found in table 3.7 within the report at www.dti.gov.uk.energy/renewables/policy.oxeraresults.pdf.
1Source: DUKES 2003 available on the DTI website at www. dti.gov.uk/energy/inform/energy_stats/renewables/index.shtml. (Data for 2003 will become available in June 2004).2 Oxford Economic Research Associates "Results of Renewables Marked Modelling" February 2004.