Power generated from wind farms prevented the creation of about 36 million tonnes greenhouse gas emissions in the UK over a six-year period - equivalent of taking 2.3 million cars off the road, a new study has found.
The figures from 2008-2014, analysed in the most accurate study of its kind to date, suggest that a greater investment in wind energy may help meet targets for carbon emissions reduction.
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh in the UK analysed National Grid figures for the power generated by various sources including wind, coal and gas.
Their data detailed generator energy output figures for every half hour, creating a comprehensive picture of how demand over time was met by power from the various sources.
The study improves on previous estimates because it uses real, rather than estimated, energy output figures and takes into account the inefficiency of individual conventional generators, said the researchers.
The calculations are complex because energy demand is met from a mix of sources at any one time and when output from wind turbines increases, a number of different conventional sources may need to decrease their outputs, they said.
The study demonstrates that government estimates for carbon savings underestimated the benefits from wind farms.
Over the six year period, 3.4 million more tonnes of greenhouse gases were saved than thought - the equivalent of taking an extra 220,000 cars off the road.
The researchers said their methodology may be applied to give accurate estimates of possible future emissions savings for energy developers, planners and policymakers, researchers said.
They suggest wind power generation may play an important role in the future energy mix, which could also include carbon capture and storage, marine and nuclear power.
"Until now, the impact of clean energy from wind farms was unclear," said Camilla Thomson from the University of Edinburgh.
"Our findings show that wind plays an effective role in curbing emissions that would otherwise be generated from conventional sources, and it has a key role to play in helping to meet Britain's need for power in future," said Thomson.
The study was published in the journal Energy Policy.
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