Ridge Clean Energy (RCE), an Oxfordshire based, community-first renewable energy developer, has announced plans for Three Oaks Renewable Energy Park Extension, a 25.2MW wind farm co-located alongside their already-consented solar farm and battery storage project. The new proposal aligns with the Government’s Clean Power 2030 Action Plan to develop homegrown energy that will reduce household bills, ensure the UK is energy independent, and make more efficient use of existing grid infrastructure.
Subject to planning permission, the wind turbines could be operational before 2030, generating as much clean electricity each year as is used by over 24,000 homes.
This project is among the first onshore wind developments to move forward in England following the July 2024 removal of the de facto national ban on onshore wind.
The co-location of wind turbines alongside an approved solar installation marks a promising shift – not just in clean energy technology, but in national policy. In 2014, plans for a six-turbine wind farm on this very site were unexpectedly halted at the ministerial level, despite receiving a positive recommendation from the Planning Inspectorate after two years of thorough review.
Had that project moved forward, the community could already be benefiting from nearly a decade of local investment – through reduced energy costs, enhanced public services, and meaningful contributions to the local economy. With renewed and welcome government support for homegrown renewable energy, RCE is proud to bring forward a refreshed proposal. Thanks to advancements in turbine technology, the new project would deliver significantly more energy from a similar footprint – offering a real chance to deliver lasting value to the community, the environment, and the UK’s clean energy goals.
The project would unlock a substantial Community Benefit Fund of £126,000 per year, equating to over £5 million over 40 years, including over £100,000 annually in local energy discounts for households near the site. Much of this funding would be delivered to households nearest the project, who would receive over £750 per year towards their electricity bills, with further funding available for residential properties within 3km of the turbines. This builds on the work RCE has already done locally, such as RCE’s Winter Fuel Payment Support comprising a donation of £10,000 in fuel vouchers to vulnerable households in the area this past winter.
Located next to the approved Three Oaks solar farm between Thornholme and Haisthorpe, this project would create a hybrid renewable energy park, maximising spatial and infrastructure resources to contribute most effectively to the UK’s ambition to becoming a clean energy superpower.
Marjorie Glasgow BEM, Chief Executive Officer of Ridge Clean Energy, commented: 'We have greatly enjoyed working with the communities of Burton Agnes and Carnaby, and by adding turbines to the already-consented solar project, we know we can do so much more locally. By integrating wind and solar at the Three Oaks site, we are not only responding to the renewed political support for onshore wind. This extension represents a meaningful step toward carbon reduction and ensures that the local community is well-placed to claim the long-term benefits of the energy transition.’
Richard Barker, Project Manager, added: 'From the earliest stages of project development for the consented Three Oaks Renewable Energy Park, we have worked with landowners, local experts and the community to shape a scheme that reflects local priorities and answers local needs. We will continue this partnership work, and I look forward to further engagement on this exciting project.'
James Robottom, RenewableUK’s Head of Onshore Wind, said: 'Following hot on the heels of the Onshore Wind Taskforce Strategy published last week, this announcement is hugely welcome and exactly what the industry needs. It is also an example of the progress the Government is making towards Clean Power 2030, creating a regulatory environment where new opportunities for inward investment can be realised. It is really positive to see wind able to be part of an energy park project making the most efficient use of our land and resource and I am excited to see this taken forward.'
Source: Ridge Clean Energy
