UK has 'great wind energy potential'

The UK is home to some of the best potential sites for wind energy in Europe, it has been claimed.

According to British Eco Energy, an advice service for homeowners interested in renewable power, the country also has the highest wind speeds.

Helena Wright, an advisor for the organisation, said that although the country is lagging behind the rest of Europe, it does have the potential to lead the way.

"We are way behind countries such as Germany, who have been doing renewable energy for ages, and they have 200,000 jobs in renewable energy. The UK hasn't picked up on this," she added.

The Department of Energy and Climate Change revealed earlier this week that UK offshore wind farms have the potential to generate an extra 25GW of new electricity.

In addition, the industry could generate up to 70,000 new jobs in the UK and create £8 billion in annual revenue.

Written by Joseph Hutton