Social, environmental and planning considerations for wind energy technology in the built environment. WG3 : introduction

Abstract

The climate and energy package of the European Union, consists of binding legislation which aims to ensure that the European Union meets its ambitious climate and energy targets for 2020 [1]. These targets, known as the "20-20-20" targets, set three key objectives for 2020: A 20% reduction in EU greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels; Raising the share of EU energy consumption produced from renewable resources to 20%; A 20% improvement in the EU's energy efficiency. The major contributors to locally produced renewable energy are principally photovoltaic systems, solar panels and combined heat power systems, whereas there is also a significant potential contribution from small and medium (15kW-100kW) wind turbines. In recent years, a significant growth in the sector of small and medium turbines has been noted with further expansion of this sector being expected in the coming years.