The UK government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has unveiled the country’s first ever onshore wind strategy, which will seek to reverse a ‘near decade of sector stagnation’ in England.
The strategy, which forms part of the government’s broader Plan for Change strategy to position the UK as a leader when it comes to clean energy, outlines more than 40 actions that could potentially lead to up to 10 gigawatts (GW) of onshore wind capacity by 2030.
Some 45,000 jobs could be created as a result, in engineering, construction, maintenance, and related roles.
‘A no-brainer’
“Rolling out more onshore wind is a no-brainer – it’s one of our cheapest technologies, quick to build, supports thousands of skilled jobs and can provide clean energy directly to the communities hosting it,” commented Energy Minister Michael Shanks. “After years of decline, we’re giving industry the tools to get building again, backing industrial renewal and secure, clean, homegrown energy through our Plan for Change.”
Among the efforts included in the initiative are the need to address aviation and defence infrastructure conflicts, which are reportedly hindering an estimated 10 GW of potential projects; ‘repowering’ old turbines located across the country; and improving planning systems by fostering data-driven decision-making and streamlining the site assessment process.
The government is also exploring plans to expand the clean industry bonus for onshore wind, encouraging developers to invest in supply chains in the UK’s industrial heartlands.
Communities are also set to benefit from the initiative, with the strategy updating guidance on voluntary community benefits, proposing annual payments of £5,000 per megawatt of installed capacity, which could be used for infrastructure purposes or to lower customers’ energy bills.
‘Overcoming barriers’
“This strategy is focusing on overcoming barriers and challenges we face across the industry in the deployment of onshore wind while capturing the major socio-economic benefits it can bring to the environment and to local economies,” added Matthieu Hue, co-chair of the Onshore Wind Taskforce and CEO of EDF Power Solutions UK and Ireland.
“Together we are forging a path forward for onshore wind in Great Britain, and we are committed to ensuring a successful implementation through a new Onshore Wind Council, which will oversee the execution of the strategy. This is a critical part of making Britain a clean energy superpower and delivering energy security.” Read more here.
