The UK has developed real-world experience in offshore wind power which can be of tremendous benefit to North American companies

ATLANTA, GA (June 4, 2012) – The United Kingdom's track record of expertise and leadership in the wind energy industry is demonstrated this week during WINDPOWER 2012, the world's largest annual gathering of wind power professionals. The UK – the world leader in offshore wind power capacity – will lead two panel discussions, while a number of British wind companies will participate in the conference.

"The UK has developed real-world experience in offshore wind power which can be of tremendous benefit to North American companies," said Chris Beck, UK Trade & Investment's technology specialist. "The opportunities that exist for knowledge sharing between the North American and UK markets, such as new innovations to lower cost on both sides of the Atlantic, will benefit each region's growth."

While fragmented policies have impacted wind energy progress in some countries, the UK's long-term, ambitious strategies continue to spur the UK wind industry's growth and create dynamic business opportunities for international partners. The UK has an active, well-established local industry, complemented by strong involvement from key international players. Over the last decade, offshore wind energy has attracted £5 billion in investment in the UK and is set to exceed £50 billion by 2020. With a commitment to increase the UK's renewable energy generation from its current 7 percent to 15 percent, the UK is one of Europe's fastest growing renewable energy markets.

Beck will outline the UK's expertise in wind energy technology and highlight partnership opportunities emerging in the sector during a Monday panel expected to draw industry and government representatives from around the world. Beck will also speak on a panel on Tuesday with British and American wind experts to discuss cutting-edge technologies currently being developed and how they will influence wind energy's future growth.

"Supportive government policies coupled with an unrivaled skillset resulting from its 20 years of offshore wind experience provide the UK with the ability to facilitate wind power both at home and abroad," said Michael Rosenfeld, UK Trade & Investment, Vice Consul - USA Clean Technology Sector Lead. "Other nations have recognized the UK's expertise in wind power, especially in offshore wind, and are now looking to the UK for collaboration and inspiration."

There are 568 installed offshore wind turbines in UK waters, totaling 1,858 MW and a further 665 turbines in construction, totaling 2,359 MW. The total number of operational and turbines in construction is 1,233. The UK's current installed offshore wind capacity is greater than the rest of the world's combined and with the advent of Round 3 projects there is a further 4,500 MW in the pipeline.

"As one of Europe's fastest-growing renewable energy markets and global leader in wind development experience, the UK has proven to be an ideal partner in catalyzing wind industry growth throughout North America and globally," stated Rosenfeld. "The recent publication of the UK's draft energy bill demonstrates Britain's commitment to tackling the twin challenges of ensuring energy security and tackling climate change, in the most cost-effective way. The bill puts into place a coherent and stable regulatory environment which is critical to investor confidence and will enable large-scale investment in low carbon generation capacity in the UK."

On May 22, 2012, the UK's Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) announced the publication of a draft Energy Bill, heralding the biggest changes in the UK's energy sector for 20 years. The cornerstone of the announcement is reform of the electricity market to deliver secure, affordable and low-carbon electricity as well as the certainty investors need to attract £110 billion of infrastructure investment over this decade.

Details for the two events on Monday and Tuesday include:

1) AWEA International Spotlight Session: Highlighting UK Expertise in Renewable Energy

Monday, June 4 (1:00-2:00pm) – Georgia World Congress Center, Room: B201

Over the last decade offshore wind energy has attracted £5 billion in investment in the UK and is set to exceed £50 billion by 2020, and also holds a commitment to increase its renewable energy generation from its current 7% to 15% by 2020. This discussion focuses on how the UK plans to deliver on its renewable obligations and what technologies and business opportunities this will open up to international companies.

2) Cutting-Edge Wind Power Technologies: US and UK Know-How Leading the Way

Tuesday, June 5 (7:30-9:00am) – Commerce Club, 191 Peachtree Tower, 49th Floor

The event will bring together wind industry leaders from the US and UK to discuss how developing cutting-edge technologies is helping each country maintain a leading industry position. Hear from UK-based David Brown Windserve and US-based S&C Electric Company. Speakers will include:

· Chris Beck, UK Trade & Investment Technology Specialist, will outline the UK's ambition in wind energy, opportunities emerging in the sector and the know how that UK companies bring to the international market

· Nick Hill, David Brown Windserve, Director of Renewables, will discuss how innovation in the gearing industry is leading to the company's success in the US and other international markets.

· Jason Lander, S&C Electric Company, Engineering Director, will present on his company's renewable energy strategy and international success, and why a UK presence is important to achieving international goals.

North American renewable energy and clean technology companies interested in learning more about business opportunities in the United Kingdom are encouraged to contact Michael Rosenfeld, UK Trade & Investment, Vice Consul – USA Clean Technology Sector Lead at (310) 420-0835 or mike.rosenfeld@uktradeinvestusa.com.
About UK Trade & Investment

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is the British Government Department that helps UK-based companies succeed in the global economy. We also help overseas companies bring their high quality investment to the UK's economy – acknowledged as Europe's best place from which to succeed in global business. UKTI offers expertise and contacts through its extensive network of specialists in the UK, and in British embassies and other diplomatic offices around the world. We provide companies with the tools they require to be competitive on the world stage. For more information on UKTI, visit www.ukti.gov.uk or telephone +44 (0)20 7215 8000. For latest press releases, visit the online newsroom at www.ukti.gov.uk/media.