Researchers from Edinburgh University state that 36m tonnes of dangerous coal and gas emissions have been prevented by wind power over the last six years.
A new study has demonstrated wind energy plays a primary role in decreasing greenhouse gas emissions from fossil-fuel sources such as gas and coal.
In six years, energy from UK wind farms curbed close to 36m tonnes of carbon emissions, the same amount as removing 2.3m cars off our roads, according to the analysis.
Between 2008-2014, researchers from Edinburgh University studied figures from the National Grid on energy produced from sources such as gas, coal and wind.
It is apparently the most “accurate of its kind to date” study as it include real figures of energy output rather than estimated.
According to the university, the study shows that UK government figures are underestimating the green house emissions prevented by wind turbines by a huge 3.4m tonnes. They also claim the Scottish government’s method “overestimates” the carbon savings.
The researcher’s findings support the need to build more wind farms in the UK in order to minimise carbon emissions and decrease the impact on climate change.
Energy generated from wind farms may play a significant role in meeting the future energy needs of the UK and the process used could be implemented to offer accurate estimates of potential emission savings for the future.
“Until now, the impact of clean energy from wind farms was unclear,” said the leader of the study, Camilla Thompson.
“Our findings show that wind plays an effective role in curbing emissions that would otherwise be generated from conventional sources, and it has a key role to play in helping to meet Britain’s need for power in future.”
Lang Banks from WWF Scotland welcomed the study.
“We’ve long known that wind power and other renewables were making a major contribution to reducing carbon pollution, but it’s fantastic to learn more clearly just how huge that contribution is.”
IMAGE via richardghawley
