Government’s policy changes do not go far enough to bring back onshore wind in England

5 September 2023 - RenewableUK press release

Responding to the changes announced today by the Government on onshore wind policy, RenewableUK's Head of Onshore Wind James Robottom said:

"The proposed changes don’t go far enough. We will still face a planning system stacked against onshore wind that treats it differently to every other energy source or infrastructure project. A lot will be open to interpretation and there are still hurdles to navigate which remain in place. There has been a slight softening at the edges but nothing more. As a result, we’re not going to see investment into new onshore wind at the scale needed to rapidly cut bills and boost energy security. 

“While industry will work with Government to see how these changes might be able to support a limited number of new developments, this is a missed opportunity to reinvigorate onshore wind in England after eight years of lost progress.  

“It’s clear that a significant number of Conservative MPs support holding the Government to its promise to end the ban on onshore wind, and opposition parties are clear in their support for more significant planning reform. We need to build on this emerging cross-party consensus to develop a planning system that is fit for purpose, which supports communities who choose to host clean cheap energy projects, as well as our industry’s ability to invest in them".

(ends)

Notes

For further information, contact

Robert Norris, Head of Communications
07969 229 913 Robert.Norris@RenewableUK.com

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