The UK government is to end to de-facto ban on new onshore wind in England.
London is to launch a consultation shortly and the National Planning Policy Framework is to be updated next year.
The move is being seen as an attempt by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to head off a row with a group of Tory backbenchers who were attempting to get the ban lifted.
It comes after the previous government led by Liz Truss pledged to also reverse the policy introduced under David Cameron’s government. Sunak had indicated he would keep the status quo but has now changed tack.
RenewableUK chief executive Dan McGrail said the move will mean England can generate more cheap power to help hard-pressed billpayers and cut a dependence on gas.
“Creating a level playing-field for onshore wind will boost our energy security while ensuring there is local support for new projects, and we look forward to working with Government and communities on the detail of a new approach,” he said.
“Backing onshore wind is one of the best solutions to the energy crisis, as projects can be up and running within a year of getting planning permission.
“Growing the UK’s onshore wind capacity could add £45bn to our economy, grow our domestic renewable supply chain and support the competitiveness of British business”.
Vattenfall’s head of UK onshore development Frank Elsworth added: “If this is a genuine move which will put onshore wind on a level playing field with other infrastructure in England, it will send a very positive signal that the Government is serious about harnessing the benefits which onshore development can unleash for the environment , the economy, and communities.
“Vattenfall’s experience in England, Wales and Scotland has shown that people respond positively when they see the benefits which development brings in the form of investment, jobs, and support for local businesses.
“There doesn’t need to be a one-size-fits-all approach to community engagement – the most successful projects are those that enable communities to help shape the way the wind farm will benefit the surrounding area.”
Zoisa North-Bond, chief executive of Octopus Energy Group’s generation arm, said: “Onshore wind is one of the cheapest and quickest forms of energy we can generate right here on our soil – and by removing the red tape, we can build it fast for communities that want it.
“By putting this green power in the hands of supportive local communities, we can bring cheap local energy to more people, increasing our energy security and reducing our dependence on imported fossil fuels.”