Plans for new onshore windfarms in England have reached their highest annual level in a decade, following the government's decision to overturn a de facto ban implemented in 2015. Approximately 45 applications for new onshore windfarms were submitted in the year to March, according to a Guardian analysis of government data.
Onshore wind power capacity entering the planning system has more than tripled since Labour removed restrictions on onshore developments shortly after coming to power over two years ago. Before the party's election victory, applications for about 9 megawatts (MW) of onshore wind were submitted monthly on a 12-month rolling average. This rate increased to approximately 36MW a month by the beginning of this year.
A government spokesperson stated that the de facto ban had previously hindered onshore wind in England, despite its potential to enhance energy security, boost the economy, and reduce bills. The spokesperson highlighted the lifting of the ban, support for the largest onshore windfarm in England in a decade through a renewables auction, and simplified planning permission for small turbines on farms and factories.
The Imerys project near St Austell, Cornwall, became the largest onshore windfarm in England to receive a government subsidy since the ban was lifted earlier this year. This 20MW project is smaller than many Scottish onshore windfarms, reflecting a trend towards smaller windfarms in England. The Guardian's analysis indicates that the average onshore windfarm proposed in England since the ban was lifted has two turbines, providing 8MW of renewable power capacity.
Tara Singh, CEO of RenewableUK, welcomed the return of onshore wind to England, noting it is one of the UK's most affordable sources of new electricity. She added that new projects can be built quickly, improving energy security and reducing exposure to volatile global gas prices.