The UK government has released its Onshore Wind Strategy, detailing more than 40 measures aimed at doubling installed onshore wind capacity to 29 gigawatts (GW) by 2030, as part of efforts to revive the sector and meet clean energy targets.
Developed in collaboration with industry stakeholders, the strategy seeks to address long-standing barriers such as planning delays, radar constraints and limited grid access. It follows the lifting of a de facto ban on new onshore wind projects in England, which had been in place for nearly a decade.
“This strategy by government and industry sets an ambitious target to almost double the UK’s onshore wind capacity by the end of the decade as a key part of the Government’s Clean Power by 2030 mission,” said James Robottom, head of onshore wind delivery at RenewableUK.
Robottom added that the new measures would help restore investor confidence. “The measures outlined will increase confidence among investors and developers, so that we can attract billions in private investment and create thousands of highly-skilled jobs and new supply chains all over the country,” he said.
The strategy includes the establishment of an Onshore Wind Council to oversee implementation and monitor progress. RenewableUK has urged the government to support delivery by maximising capacity in upcoming Contracts for Difference (CfD) auctions.
Claire Mack, chief executive of Scottish Renewables, said the strategy reinforces the importance of Scotland’s contribution to UK renewable energy goals. “Onshore wind is a cost-effective source of clean energy that can be deployed at pace, supporting skilled jobs and tangible community benefit,” she said.
Mack called for coordinated UK-Scottish action to address planning and aviation challenges and improve grid connections, building on the Scottish Onshore Wind Sector Deal agreed last year, which targets 20GW of capacity in Scotland by 2030.
According to Scottish Renewables, the sector currently supports more than 16,800 jobs and contributes £6.4 billion to the Scottish economy.
Both industry groups described the publication of the strategy as a significant signal of intent, aimed at accelerating deployment and aligning the sector with the government’s wider clean energy ambitions.
