British energy supplier OVO announced on Thursday the creation of a new division, OVO Renewables, aimed at extending the life and boosting the output of the UK’s existing onshore wind infrastructure.
The company said the initiative will focus on redeveloping older wind farms with updated technology to improve efficiency and support national renewable energy goals. OVO estimates the first phase of the programme could provide up to 500 megawatts (MW) of electricity capacity, sufficient to power approximately 400,000 homes.
“Britain built some of the world’s first onshore wind farms, but many are now ageing fast,” OVO Chief Executive David Buttress said in a statement. “We’re creating a huge opportunity to unlock more clean, secure energy without the delays that come with building new sites.”
The repowering initiative is expected to contribute to the UK Government’s 2030 Clean Power Action Plan, which targets 30 gigawatts (GW) of onshore wind capacity.
OVO said it will partner with NextLife Energy, a specialist investor and developer, to identify, acquire and manage suitable wind projects across the UK.
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 energy supplier also noted that Kaluza, its technology-focused sister company, may support the initiative by delivering clean electricity to local communities in the future.
According to polling commissioned by OVO, 84% of UK consumers support upgrading existing wind farms with quieter and more efficient turbines, while 60% favour building new wind projects on previously undeveloped land.
Energy Minister Michael Shanks welcomed the development, describing it as a demonstration of public-private cooperation. “Repowering existing wind farms will be a key part of how we build a cheaper, cleaner, more secure energy system,” he said.
The move comes as the UK seeks to accelerate its transition to renewable energy and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.
