Announcement: A Landmark Decision for Renewable Energy
Lifting the Onshore Wind Ban in England
Dear Colleagues and Partners,
I am thrilled to share the significant news that the Government has officially lifted the onshore wind ban in England. This pivotal change signals a new era for renewable energy development in our country, and I would like to take this moment to reflect on its implications and the exciting future ahead.
A New Dawn for Onshore Wind
Yesterday, the Government’s amendments to the National Planning Policy Framework come into effect, with further confirmation expected in Parliament on the 18th July 2024. This reform is not just a regulatory adjustment; it represents a fundamental shift towards prioritising renewable energy infrastructure.
The upcoming updates to the NPPF will further enhance support for renewable projects, including a proposal to streamline large onshore wind projects through the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project regime. This is a crucial step towards accelerating the deployment of onshore wind farms, ensuring timely and efficient approvals.
Ollie Davies, Head of Onshore Wind at OWC, comments: “Changes to the National Policy Framework had a fundamental impact on onshore wind projects across England when introduced back in 2015. Going forward, we are celebrating the announcement of planning reforms and the immediate removal of the infamous footnotes only a few days after Labour have come into office.
It’s great to see such positive action in conjunction with Labour’s ambitious targets for zero-carbon electricity system and the doubling of onshore wind across the UK by 2030, and we’re looking forward to continuing to support our clients getting onshore wind projects realised across the UK.”
Embracing Public Support and Overcoming Barriers
The lifting of the onshore wind ban is a reflection of overwhelming public support. According to the latest polling, 78% of UK citizens favour onshore wind energy, recognizing its role in providing low-cost electricity, enhancing energy security, and combating climate change. This public sentiment underscores the necessity of reforming the planning system to facilitate projects that enjoy broad community backing yet have been previously obstructed by a minority of dissenters.
Our industry is committed to thorough and inclusive consultation processes with local communities. We understand that the path to developing new onshore wind projects involves careful consideration of environmental impacts and community benefits. Modern turbines, which are significantly more efficient than their predecessors, will enable us to double the UK’s onshore wind capacity by 2030 without doubling the number of turbines. This balance ensures we maximize our wind resources while minimizing visual and environmental footprints.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
The potential economic benefits of this policy change are substantial. Research indicates that achieving 30 gigawatts of onshore wind capacity by 2030 could inject £45 billion into the UK economy and create 27,000 jobs. This growth will not only bolster the renewable energy sector but also stimulate broader economic development, particularly in local communities hosting wind projects.
The Future of Renewable Energy in the UK
Yesterday’s announcement is a crucial milestone in our journey towards a zero-carbon electricity system. The swift action by the new Government aligns with their ambitious targets for doubling onshore wind capacity and achieving a carbon-neutral grid. At OWC, we are ready to support our clients in navigating this new landscape, bringing projects to fruition that will power our nation sustainably for generations to come.
As we move forward, the renewable energy sector must continue to innovate and lead by example. The efficiency of modern turbines, the strategic integration of renewable projects into national infrastructure, and the unwavering public support form the bedrock of a bright future for onshore wind in England.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the lifting of the onshore wind ban is a monumental step for renewable energy in England. It exemplifies the Government’s commitment to overcoming historical barriers and propelling the UK towards a sustainable, energy-secure future. At OWC, we celebrate this decision and look forward to contributing to the realization of new onshore wind projects across the UK.
Let us embrace this opportunity to drive forward with renewed vigour and dedication. Together, we will create a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous future.
Warm regards,
Will Cleverly
CEO, OWC
OWC’s team of consultants and technical experts have a proven track record of supporting the entire lifecycle of onshore energy projects, which includes:
⚡Supported 60+ onshore wind projects, totalling 60+ GW and 285+ installed assets.
♻️ Complementary/Hybrid Experience – solar PV, energy storage, green hydrogen and ammonia production
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