The UK government has unveiled its first ever Onshore Wind Strategy, outlining more than 40 actions to revive the sector and support its Clean Power 2030 ambition of 27–29GW.
The new plan seeks to unlock up to 10GW of stalled projects, support the repowering of ageing turbines, and equip planning authorities and developers with updated tools to streamline delivery.
According to the government, the strategy could more than double the current onshore wind workforce, supporting up to 45,000 jobs by 2030 across engineering, construction and operations roles.
Energy minister Michael Shanks (pictured) said: “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.”
The measures include resolving barriers linked to aviation and defence infrastructure, expanding repowering initiatives, and encouraging clean industry investment through enhanced supply chain support.
Community benefit guidance has also been updated to provide £5000 per megawatt per year to local initiatives, with up to £70m annually expected under the 29GW scenario.
EDF Power Solutions UK chief executive and taskforce co-chair Matthieu Hue said: “This strategy is focusing on overcoming barriers and challenges we face across the industry while capturing the major socio-economic benefits.”
RWE’s Eleri Davies said: “Today’s strategy firmly establishes the clear actions required to double onshore wind capacity by 2030. We look forward to the Onshore Wind Council driving these forward.”
Hitachi Energy UK managing director Laura Fleming added: “Rapid deployment is critical to delivering Clean Power 2030 and we stand ready to work with government to deliver a grid that enables this growth.”
RenewableUK’s James Robottom said the strategy would “increase confidence among investors and developers” and unlock billions in private investment.
The strategy follows the end of a de facto nine-year ban in England and the reintegration of onshore wind into the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects regime.