The launch of the UK’s first national onshore wind strategy has led to a wave of interest from landowners and other interested parties, BIWO Renewables UK has said.
Since the government strategy, which outlines more than 40 actions to accelerate deployment of onshore wind, was launched in July, the market has seen a ‘clear surge’ in activity, the developer noted, including approaches from landowners, renewed discussions with partners, and revived conversations on projects that had previously stalled.
‘Shift in tone’
“Since the strategy was announced, the shift in tone has been unmistakable,” commented Hugo Deed, director of strategy and growth at BIWO Renewables UK.
“We’ve seen more landowners reaching out, more partnership opportunities on the table, and a stronger appetite to get projects moving. There’s a new sense of urgency and optimism in the market that we haven’t felt in a while.”
The strategy includes measures to unlock stalled projects, repower existing sites, modernise planning and grid processes, and double onshore wind capacity to as much as 29 gigawatts by 2030.
As well as providing greater energy security, the strategy is anticipated to deliver up to 45,000 skilled jobs, as well as bringing private investment into rural areas.
Announcing the onshore wind strategy in July, UK energy minister Michael Shanks said, “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.
“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.”
‘A turning point’
“This is a real turning point for onshore wind in the UK,” added Javier Dagá, CEO of BIWO Renewables UK. “Landowners who may have been hesitant in the past are now actively exploring opportunities, and there’s a genuine drive to work together on projects that deliver clean energy, reliable income, and lasting community benefit.”
According to BIWO Renewables UK, the next 12 to 18 months will be ‘pivotal’ for converting this momentum into operating wind farms that contribute to the UK‘s national renewable energy targets, and boost rural prosperity. Read more here and here.
