October 2024
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This conference focused on the way forward for growth of the domestic onshore wind sector in the UK, in light of the Government lifting the ban on new onshore wind projects and establishing an industry taskforce with the aim of doubling production of onshore wind energy by 2030.
It was a timely opportunity to consider how the onshore wind sector can build on recent momentum as the UK looks to become energy independent. The conference took place as the total capacity of operational UK wind power surpasses 30GW, and with the recent announcement that a record number of projects will receive funding through the Government’s renewables auction, including a combined 115 solar and onshore wind projects.
Sessions in the agenda discussed the impact of lifting the ban on onshore production, with renewables firms already announcing plans for new onshore projects in England, as well as implications of proposals to increase the limit for when onshore wind projects are considered Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects for new project rollout.
The conference was a timely opportunity to discuss the new Government’s policy priorities for onshore wind, looking at next steps for Great British Energy, as well as implications of plans to make Britain a ‘clean energy superpower’, and the role of onshore wind in the Government’s Local Power Plan.
In discussing development of Great British Energy, delegates considered the potential of the Local Power Plan to support local onshore projects in partnership with local authorities, energy companies and co-operatives, and the opportunities associated with offering co-investment for larger scale projects to the private sector.
Sessions explored latest thinking on how tensions around planning and consent for onshore wind developments can be addressed - as well as the impact that removing the additional tests that determine whether a development in the NPPF is acceptable could have on future proposals. Stakeholders and policymakers assessed how community concerns can be addressed in response to these changes and in anticipation of the Government updating the Community Benefits Protocol for onshore wind.
There was a focus on priorities for innovative technology and developing infrastructure to enable greater capacity for energy generation and storage. Discussion considered what reforms might be needed to support the connection of wind farms to the grid and how Distribution Network Operators can create the capacity to accommodate them as well as the regulatory environment needed to support growth and innovation. Stakeholders will consider how the Government’s plans to accelerate the expansion of the Contracts for Difference system will help to connect more onshore wind projects to the grid.
Key issues relating to environmental impact were discussed, as advocacy groups call for a measured rollout to limit biodiversity, landscape and visual impacts. Areas for discussion included priorities for protecting wildlife and areas of natural beauty, and incentives and benefits for communities that host new onshore wind projects. Further session also looked at the role of onshore wind in the UK’s transition to net zero as well as opportunities for developing green skills to meet new demands.
We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Daniel Cox, Deputy Director, Renewable Electricity Strategy, DESNZ; Carolyn Wilson, Onshore Head, Consents UK & Ireland, SSE Renewables; Cathal Hennessy, Head, Onshore Wind Development, UK & Ireland, RWE Renewables; Professor Alasdair McDonald, Chair, Renewable Energy Technology; and Head, Research Institute, University of Edinburgh; and Alex Howard, Head, Flexibility Markets, UK Power Networks.
All delegates were able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. Those that attended include officials from DAERA, NI; DBT; DECC, ROI; Department for Infrastructure, NI; DESNZ; Defra; MHCLG; Department for the Economy, NI; NIC; Planning Inspectorate; UKIB; FCDO; GLD; HSE; Isle of Man Government; NAO; OBR; ONS; PEDW; GO-Science; MOD; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government.
