UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has announced the formation of an onshore wind taskforce to accelerate new developments in the sector. Speaking in Parliament on July 18, Miliband outlined that the taskforce will focus on revitalizing the pipeline of onshore wind projects in England, which had been hindered by stringent planning restrictions implemented in 2015.
The creation of the taskforce follows the Labour administration's recent decision to lift these restrictions, allowing onshore wind projects to be treated on par with other energy infrastructure in the planning system. The government aims to double the UK's onshore wind capacity by 2030, increasing from the current approximately 15 gigawatts (GW) of installed capacity.
Miliband stated, “Onshore wind is one of the cheapest sources of power we have. Under the onshore wind ban, the pipeline of projects in England shrank by 90%.” He also noted that the previous government had ignored a recommendation from former net zero tsar Chris Skidmore to establish an onshore wind taskforce, which Labour will now implement. “The taskforce will work with developers to rebuild the pipeline of projects,” Miliband added.
The taskforce will be chaired by Miliband and EDF Renewables Chief Executive Matthieu Hue. Hue emphasized the importance of accelerating onshore wind deployment to meet net zero goals. “Onshore wind is already well established in many parts of the UK and is one of the most cost-effective forms of new electricity generation that can be developed at pace and at scale,” Hue said. He also pointed out the need to address challenges such as grid and supply chain pressures.
RenewableUK Chief Executive Dan McGrail, a member of the advisory group, welcomed the taskforce, noting its potential to support ongoing projects across Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland while kickstarting new projects in England. “Onshore wind already generates over 20% of the UK's electricity a year,” McGrail said, highlighting its importance for providing secure, low-cost power and local economic benefits.
Scottish Renewables Chief Executive Claire Mack praised the collaborative approach and the lessons learned from Scotland's Onshore Wind Sector Deal, which she believes will benefit the new taskforce. “Strong collaboration between our industry and government is vital if we are to deliver on our clean energy ambitions,” Mack said. She expressed optimism about the taskforce's role in identifying and overcoming barriers to onshore wind deployment across the UK.
