Already being hailed as a potential UK base for the rapidly growing offshore wind energy industry, the North East has now been chosen to host a conference and exhibition which heralds a revolution in small land-based wind systems - and the entrance to the seminars over the two days is free.
RenewableUK, the country's leading voice for the renewable energy industry, says that the number of small turbines across the UK could increase from the present 15,000 to over 600,000 by 2020, with farmers and land owners leading the way but with schools, businesses and others also now showing growing interest.
That is the proposition which underpins RenewableUKs International Small Wind 2011 at Gateheads Sage conference centre on April 5 - 6. The event is expected to attract some 350 delegates from the UK and overseas.
The prospects for the sector have been further enhanced by the introduction by the government of Feed in Tariffs (FiTs) which guarantee for 20 years the level of payments for electricity sold back to the grid. Small wind systems are easy to install and have minimal impact on land use.
The Small Wind Systems Manager at RenewableUK, Indre Vaizgelaite, said: "There's never been a better time to get involved, as there are a number of attractive financial incentives in place. If we want to cut down on our carbon emissions, and generate clean energy from a safe supply that will never run out small systems are the way to go."
Glenn Johnson, CEO of Endurance Wind Power, a major international company supplying small wind systems and the lead sponsor for the conference said: I am delighted to sponsor this event in the North East. The UKs feed in tariffs have attracted a growing interest in small wind as the wide range of systems now available means there is an ideal system for every requirement. It is a great opportunity for individuals to talk to manufacturers and other industry experts and find out what system would suit their needs. Whether from the agricultural, educational, residential, business or industrial sector the free seminars and exhibition will help people understand how they can become part of the green energy revolution.
For more information go to www.renewable-uk.com/events/small-wind-conference