Once hamstrung by a moratorium, wind farms are once again being greenlit with high hopes for local communities, businesses and consumers.
Some 12 months after the Labour government took action to end what was perceived by many as an onshore wind energy ban – one of the party’s first steps after taking power – its WindTaskforce has produced a new Strategy document.
‘Onshore wind’s contribution is essential, as a homegrown, affordable and low carbon energy source, and Great Britain currently has 14.8GW of installed capacity. However, onshore wind lost its momentum 10 years ago when the de facto ban onshore wind in England was enacted to deter its deployment,’ said Matthieu Hue, Onshore Wind Taskforce Co-Chair.
‘As a result, Great Britain has not been able to capitalise on 30GW of an extensive pipeline of projects,’ he continued. ‘Now is the time to join forces and harvest the benefits by delivering the required 27GW to 29GW of onshore wind by 2030. This has been the compelling reason driving the Onshore Wind Taskforce.’
Recommendations for reform include planning and consenting processes, which are already under intense scrutiny in a bid to speed up everything from power station construction to housebuilding. Training and data sharing must also be improved to streamline assessments and surveys, with an ongoing consultation looking at expanding permitted development rights expected to increase support for small-scale wind developments and repowering of existing sites.
Efforts to expedite grid connections, develop new networks and systems also form part of the proposals, all of which requite stronger relationships between corporate stakeholders, local government and the public. This could be achieved through ‘best practice’ engagement. Issues arising from turbines interfering with aviation and defence radars must also be addressed.
You can access the full report here.
Image: Jonny Clow / Unsplash
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