Government Policy and Targets

The UK government has pledged to cut carbon dioxide emissions, the largest single contributor to climate change, by 20% of 1990 levels by 2010.

To achieve this they have set a goal of generating 10% of the UK's electricity through renewable sources by the same year, increasing to 20% by 2020.

Wind power is currently the only large-scale, cost-effective renewable energy source in the UK and the best positioned to contribute to this target.

To help the country achieve this important ambition, each region has a part to play.

The renewable energy target for the East Midlands is 6.4% by 2010 and 23% by 2020.

Around 20% of the 2010 target and 9% of the 2020 target has been allocated to onshore wind. Currently only around 2% of the region's electricity comes from wind.

Yelvertoft Wind Farm can help the East Midlands take a big step towards its targets. The wind farm will contribute up to 16% of the 2010 onshore wind target and 11% of the 2020 goal.