The Onshore Wind Taskforce Strategy, published today by the Government, sets out over 40 steps to accelerate onshore wind deployment rapidly throughout the UK, including installing up to 29 gigawatts (GW) by 2030. Welcoming the publication, RenewableUK’s Head of Onshore Wind Delivery, James Robottom, said:
'This strategy by Government and industry sets an ambitious target to almost double the UK’s onshore wind capacity by the end of the decade as a key part of the Government’s Clean Power by 2030 mission.
'Overturning the unpopular onshore wind ban, which deprived us of one of the quickest and cheapest technologies to build for a decade, was just the start. The hard work to make the most of this great opportunity to grow our economy and strengthen the UK’s energy security is now in full swing.
'The actions set out in this landmark clean energy strategy will rapidly speed up the deployment of essential projects, and we welcome the establishment of the new Onshore Wind Council to oversee its delivery and ensure it succeeds.
'The measures outlined will increase confidence among investors and developers, so that we can attract billions in private investment and create thousands of highly-skilled jobs and new supply chains all over the country.
'The strategy sets out how people living near onshore wind farms will continue to see tailor-made community benefits through an updated Community Benefit Protocol for England, deciding for themselves the form that these benefits should take, to support and improve the lives of those in areas hosting onshore wind.
'We welcome the Government’s renewed commitments to update the planning system, ensure faster grid connections and take positive action to tackle radar and aviation issues which have blocked onshore wind development in some areas through greater collaboration, transparency and innovative technical solutions.
'To achieve the Government’s clean power goal, Ministers will have to maximise the amount of new onshore wind capacity we secure in the next two annual auctions for contracts to generate clean power – these allocation rounds are mission-critical to enable us to reach that target'.
Source: RenewableUK
