OVO has announced plans to create a new business division, OVO Renewables, to repower the UK’s ageing onshore wind fleet.
The energy supplier said the new venture would oversee the redevelopment of existing wind farms using modern technology to extend their lifespan and boost generation output.
OVO Renewables’ first phase could deliver up to 500MW of capacity, enough to supply around 400,000 homes, according to the company.
The programme would contribute directly to the UK Government’s 30GW onshore wind target set under the 2030 Clean Power Action Plan.
OVO said it intends to work in partnership with specialist investor and developer NextLife Energy to source, acquire, manage and repower wind projects across the UK.
David Buttress, chief executive of OVO, said: “Britain built some of the world’s first onshore wind farms, but many are now ageing fast.
“We’re creating a huge opportunity to unlock more clean, secure energy without the delays that come with building new sites.
“OVO Renewables has the potential to breathe new life into Britain’s green power infrastructure, delivering real benefits to customers and communities.”
OVO added that its sister company Kaluza, an energy technology platform, could help the new business provide green power directly to local communities in future.
New polling commissioned by OVO showed that 84% of consumers support upgrading existing wind farms with quieter, more efficient technology.
By comparison, just 60% of the public said they would support building new wind farms on undeveloped land nearby.
Energy Minister Michael Shanks welcomed the initiative, saying: “This is a hugely exciting new venture from OVO, showcasing how the public and private sector are working in lockstep to end our reliance on unstable global gas markets with homegrown, clean power we control.
“Repowering existing wind farms will be a key part of how we build a cheaper, cleaner, more secure energy system.”
Lord Smith of Kelvin, chair of NextLife Energy, said: “Acquiring mid-life projects with the potential to repower means important generation capacity is not retired from our UK network.
“The launch of OVO Renewables and the partnership with NextLife Energy is an exciting opportunity for both businesses.”