UK publishes onshore wind strategy to unlock up to 29GW by 2030

The UK's Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has announced the government's first-ever onshore wind strategy designed to reignite the sector's growth after a ban was lifted last year.

The strategy sets out 40 actions to unlock 27-29GW of onshore wind by 2030, the targets set out in the government's Clean Power 2030 plan.

The actions include repowering old turbines across the country, as well as unlocking up to 10GW of onshore wind by resolving issues with the coexistence of wind turbines and aerospace, civil and defence infrastructure.

The plan aims to equip planners and project developers by ensuring site surveying and assessments for projects are more efficient to speed up decision-making. It will also encourage developers to invest in supply chains in the UK’s industrial heartlands.

According to the government, this plan will put onshore wind on an equal footing with offshore wind and will bolster the industry's workforce.

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Energy Minister Michael Shanks commented on the announcement: "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."

Matthieu Hue, co-chair of the Onshore Wind Taskforce and CEO of EDF Power Solutions UK and Ireland, added: "This strategy is focusing on overcoming barriers and challenges we face across the industry in the deployment of onshore wind while capturing the major socio-economic benefits it can bring to the environment and to local economies.

"...This is a critical part of making Britain a clean energy superpower and delivering energy security.

The government has also updated the voluntary community benefits guidance for onshore wind to provide communities with £5,000 ($6803) per megawatt per year for community initiatives and bill discount schemes. 

By delivering on the 29GW of onshore wind ambition, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero estimates that an additional £70 million ($95 million) of community funding could be unlocked for rural towns and villages every year.