England sees decade-high surge in onshore wind farm applications
Applications for new onshore wind farms in England have risen to the highest level in ten years, driven by the recent removal of the de-facto ban.
Government data reveal that England received approximately 45 onshore wind farm applications in the year ending March, the strongest annual tally in a decade following the overturn of a long-standing ban. Capacity filings have climbed from a 12-month average of about 9 MW to roughly 36 MW per month, as developers return to the market. Since the policy shift, the typical English wind farm comprises two turbines delivering 8 MW, contrasted with larger, nine-turbine, 59 MW averages in Scotland.
The Imerys project near St Austell, Cornwall, at 20 MW, is the biggest subsidised English farm since the ban was lifted, though it remains modest compared with Scottish sites. RenewableUK’s chief executive highlighted onshore wind’s low cost, quick build times and potential to cut energy bills, while community benefit funds are earmarked at £5,000 per megawatt installed. The sector’s supply chain could add up to £56 bn to the economy by 2050, with most spending staying within the UK.
Why it matters
The surge signals a policy shift that could lower energy costs, create jobs and enhance UK energy security.
In this story
