Does onshore wind generate greenhouse gas emissions?
By displacing other fossil-fuel electricity sources, onshore wind can help reduce the overall amount of emissions generated by the power sector.
The government estimates that wind power saved six million tonnes of carbon dioxide in 2010. Some emissions are still created, via the process of manufacturing, transporting and installing wind turbines, although these are considered fairly low.
However, onshore wind can lead to the generation of greenhouse emissions, when they are backed up by fossil-fuel power plants, when wind strength is insufficient for turbines to operate and provide sufficient electricity supply. Official estimates of this impact on emissions are not yet available.
Government studies show, however, that even a system with up to 80 per cent of renewable electricity will be able to reduce emissions substantially and help meet the UK greenhouse gases emission targets.
