FotoRenewables

Mixed Renewables in the UK by Murray Ballard

In 2009, the UK signed up to the EU Renewable Energy Directive, requiring the UK to source 15% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020. Wind energy plays a significant role in meeting these targets. The UK is one of the few countries to have installed 5,000 megawatts (MW) of wind power and has more offshore wind capacity than any other country in the world. The London Array will be the world’s largest offshore wind farm, generating enough electricity to power 750,000 homes. Tidal energy has considerable potential with the world’s first commercial-scale grid connected tidal stream generator deployed in 2008 by Marine Current Turbines (MCT). Small-scale hydro-power accounts for 18% of UK renewable energy. Water Power Enterprises (WPE) has developed community hydro-electric plants located on existing river weirs. By 2011, there were 230,000 solar power projects in the UK with installed capacity reaching 1,000 MW. The renewable energy industry is filling the void left by the decline of traditional manufacturing. Shipbuilders Harland & Wolff, now engage in offshore renewable energy projects. Ballard creates beautiful industrial photographs with his large-format camera to document the mixed picture of the renewables industry in the UK.