UK beats US in wind 'attractiveness' index
WORLDWIDE: The UK has overtaken the US as the second most attractive country for wind power development behind China.
Ernst & Young’s latest quarterly wind index, the Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index, shows the US falling two points, to 66 out of 100. The UK rises one point to 68 and China rises one point to 76.
The consultancy’s overall renewable index shows China continuing its surge past the US, with the gap increasing from two to five points.
The report says the Chinese government’s support for its renewable industry remains strong, with the country spending nearly half of all funds invested in new wind projects this quarter.
Ernst & Young said the UK’s rise in the wind rankings is due to favourable government policies, including the allocation of £60 million to upgrade ports, and decisions by several manufacturers to open plants in the country.
The US far surpasses the UK on near-term wind rankings, however, with 74 points to the UK’s 51.
And the US outscores the UK in the onshore wind category, 70 points to 64. But on offshore prospects the UK truly shines with 79, beating the US (56) and even China (69) to clinch the category.
Four other countries – South Korea, Romania, Egypt and Mexico – all appear in the report for the first time this quarter.
