The UK's House of Lords is urging the government to bolster its backing for new onshore wind projects, following criticism that recent rule relaxations may not be sufficient. Earlier this month, the government introduced the Leveling Up and Regeneration Bill, signaling an end to its eight-year ban on land-based wind turbines. However, skeptics argue that the changes remain inadequate and continue to impose too many restrictions on the sector, hindering substantial investment in the industry.
On Monday evening, the House of Lords, the upper chamber of the UK Parliament, deliberated on the bill's provisions. In a closely contested vote, members approved an amendment aimed at leveling the playing field for onshore wind alongside other forms of renewable energy, aligning with the country's climate change objectives. The bill is now set to return to the House of Commons for further consideration before becoming law.
See also: House of Lords Amends Energy Bill to Empower Ofgem in Achieving UK's Net Zero Target
Nevertheless, industry experts remain cautious about the fate of this amendment. A spokesperson for RenewableUK, a trade association representing the renewable energy sector, expressed skepticism about its prospects. Robert Norris, Head of Communications at RenewableUK, remarked, “This is well-intentioned but very unlikely to gain traction, alas. We've become rather disillusioned with promises from Conservative leaders regarding the advancement of onshore wind in England, so we aren't expecting significant progress until after the next election, realistically.”
The debate in the House of Lords reflects the ongoing discussion about the role of onshore wind in the UK's renewable energy landscape and its contribution to meeting climate targets. Amidst differing opinions, the fate of onshore wind projects in the country remains uncertain, pending further legislative developments and potential revisions to the Leveling Up and Regeneration Bill.
