16 September 2024
The UK energy sector is buzzing with renewed enthusiasm, and it’s exciting to witness the momentum building around onshore wind. This optimism was ignited by a passionate recorded speech from Ed Miliband at the recent Scottish Renewables/RenewableUK Onshore Wind Conference, where he delivered a clarion call for the return of onshore wind to England. His message was clear: now is the time to act.
While the desire for progress is palpable, ambition must be matched with practical deployment. There are two key enablers propelling this movement: political will and momentum. However, without early, decisive action, the barriers standing in the way of onshore wind’s expansion could stifle the progress we’ve made.
Key Barriers to Onshore Wind Deployment
To fully realise the potential of onshore wind and capitalize on the current momentum, we must address several critical challenges. These key barriers to deployment need targeted solutions to unlock the full capacity of this mature industry:
Grid Capacity – While significant grid reforms are underway, this remains one of the most pressing issues that need resolution to ensure onshore wind can thrive.
Planning & Stakeholder Engagement – Updating planning policies is essential, but we must go further. Clear mandates for stakeholders, frameworks for developers, and increased resources in the planning sector are crucial.
Public Engagement – It’s time to mobilize the “silent majority” that supports clean energy but often remains unheard. Working closely with local communities is essential, as is the need to be a good neighbour by involving them at an early stage, understanding their concerns, and ensuring they benefit from these projects. By bringing communities along on the journey, we can foster deeper support and understanding for onshore wind developments.
Skills & Resources – The onshore wind industry will require significant workforce development, including grid engineers, planners, and environmental specialists. A strategic training program will be essential, along with long-term procurement planning to support the industry’s infrastructure needs.
A Mature Industry Poised for Growth
Onshore wind is not a fledgling sector—it’s mature, proven, and has a strong track record of delivering results, community support, and investment. The key now is to maintain that maturity, act as responsible developers, and resist the temptation of a “gold rush” mentality. Responsible and sustainable growth will be crucial to ensuring that onshore wind remains a permanent fixture in England’s renewable energy future.
Collaboration between government, developers, and stakeholders will be critical to breaking down the remaining barriers and achieving long-term success.
Moving Forward
In summary, we are witnessing positive change. Strategic implementation of policy and a mature approach to development are crucial to ensuring that this moment leads to lasting progress. Now is the time for action, and with the right focus, onshore wind can become a cornerstone of England’s clean energy landscape.
