As the need for alternative forms of energy increases, the need for cost-effective alternatives increases as well. Cost is one of the biggest concerns that most nations have with alternative energy resources. The majority of alternatives have relatively high start-up and maintenance costs, which can make them unsuitable as a cost effective energy source.

The UK is becoming a world leader in the use of wind as a power source. This clean, efficient, and renewable resource for electric power has become a huge part of the electricity produced in the entire UK. In fact, in early 2007, the capacity of power from wind farms in the UK went over the amount of electricity that can be produced by two traditional coal fired power stations. The UK is now the seventh country in the world to reach the 2 GW milestones.