Gone with the wind

the wind energy generation in the United Kingdom is expected to be severely hit by a new legislation. Under the New Electricity Trading Arrangements ( neta ), electricity supply should be accurately predicted at least three and a half hours before its delivery.

Because the supply of wind energy cannot be guaranteed or controlled by its suppliers, wind power experts have shown concern about the legislation's impact on the industry. Nick Goodall, chief executive of British Wind Energy Association says, "The legislation is not suitable for the future.'

Although equipment allowing wind power to be effectively predicted is available in the market, it is expensive and labour intensive for most suppliers. "The legislation will be open to change and the three and a half hours deadline for output calculations is expected to be reduced after the initial six months,' says a official of Ofgem, one of the main drafter of the legislation. The proposal is anticipated to be enacted in November.