Onshore wind and aviation

Learn more about the current challenges around aviation and onshore wind development

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About onshore wind and aviation


Coexistence between the wind energy and aviation industries relies on technological innovation, effective collaboration, and clear guidance to balance the expansion of renewable energy with air safety and defence needs.


This page outlines the current challenges, and other important work in the area.


Our work in onshore wind and aviation


At RenewableUK, we focus on aviation because, although it doesn’t affect every project, the impacts can be significant when it does — leading to high costs, delays, and complex technical challenges. By working with experts and key stakeholders, we support renewable energy projects to move forward whilst maintaining aviation safety and efficiency, to help the UK reach its renewable energy targets.


The main focus areas include:



  • Aviation and defence objections

  • Radar interference

  • Planning and regulatiory barriers

  • Eskdalemuir Seismic Array

  • Lighting and visual impact

  • Cost and transparency

  • Technological solutions.


 

  • Publications
  • Briefings
  • Working groups
  • Supported organisations
  • Our work with Onward 2030

Aviation working group 


This Working Group has been established to help shape and deliver coordinated policy and programmes which will build on the prevailing environment of coexistence between the wind and aviation industry, minimising friction in the development process and accelerating deployment.


 

Aviation Investment Fund Company Limited (AIFCL)


The Aviation Investment Fund Company Limited (AIFCL) was formed in 2009 as the wind industry funding body to support the various work streams under the Government’s Wind & Aviation Plan.


For further information: Aviation Investment Fund Company Limited

Onward 2030


Onward 2030 was set up initially to support the Aviation Management Board (AMB), which is Chaired by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and reports the Energy Minister. Since the creation of the Scottish Government’s Onshore Wind Sector Deal, Onward 2030 has picked up the delivery of the Sector Deal’s Technical Commitments. The group is made up of delegates from the Scottish Government, UK Government, and Civil Aviation Authority, alongside the Chair of the AWG, the Strategic Leadership Group’s technical lead, the Chair of AIFCL, Scottish Renewables, AirportsUK, representatives from developers, with secretariat services provided by RenewableUK and a consultant funded by AIFCL. As part of the delivery of its technical commitments, Onward 2030 has created four work packages:




    • A Market Survey on Existing & Emerging Wind Farm Tolerant Surveillance Systems and Costs

    • Instrument Flight Procedures (IFPs)

    • Mitigation Solutions

    • Transparency (Management of Aviation Issues)



Terms of Reference are available on request.
For further information on the Scottish Onshore Wind Sector Deal, please check Scottish Renewables website