The UK government is exploring the potential extension of its Clean Industry Bonus scheme to include onshore wind, as part of broader efforts to boost domestic supply chain investment and accelerate the country’s energy transition.
A consultation is expected to be launched on the proposal, which would expand a mechanism currently being introduced in this year’s Allocation Round 7 (AR7) of the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme for offshore wind. The bonus is designed to incentivise local content and supply chain development in renewable energy projects.
According to the government’s Industrial Strategy framework, published on Sunday, the comparatively “underdevelopment” of the UK’s onshore wind supply chain—relative to its offshore sector—represents a “missed opportunity.”
Despite this, targets to nearly double Britain’s installed onshore wind capacity to between 27 and 29 gigawatts (GW) by 2030 could generate “significant economic opportunity,” the document said. The growth is expected to strengthen areas such as project development, operations, and balance of plant services.
Officials estimate that onshore wind could support up to 45,000 direct and indirect jobs across Great Britain by 2030, up from around 19,700 in 2022.
As part of the strategy, the government will partner with trade association RenewableUK to conduct a supply chain capability analysis for the onshore wind sector in 2024. The goal is to establish an industry-led UK local content target by the end of 2025, covering the full lifecycle of an onshore wind farm.
London said the target would be shaped by industry through a new forum that will succeed the Onshore Wind Taskforce.
In addition, the government is considering whether to broaden the application of its skills passport programme—originally designed to support oil and gas workers transitioning into offshore wind—to include onshore wind roles.
