Labour's new Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband, has lifted the ban on offshore wind farms in the hope of making Britain “a clean energy superpower”
The ban of onshore wind farms has been removed by the new Labour Government(Image credit: Getty Images)
Industry experts have widely welcomed the new Labour Government's decision to remove the ban for onshore wind farms.
The new Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband, said he hopes will help the UK become “a clean energy superpower”.
It is claimed the decision could provide a £45 billion boost to the economy whilst also combating energy price rises by reducing the reliance on overseas fossil fuel suppliers.
What does the onshore wind policy change mean?
The Government has revised its planning policy for onshore wind farms, removing previous restrictions that required these projects to be included in local development plans.
Under the old policy any local community opposition could block the development of onshore wind farms, but this is no longer the case.
The revised policy places onshore wind on the same footing as other energy developments under the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). This means onshore wind applications will now be processed in the same way as other renewable energy projects.
The change takes effect from 8 July and will be confirmed to Parliament on 18 July following the State Opening.
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Why has the onshore wind ban been removed?
The ultimate aim for the onshore wind ban reversal is to help generate more renewable energy in the UK.
The Climate Change Committee recommended that the UK needs to increase the existing 15GW supply of onshore wind capacity to 35GW by 2035 if Britain is to meet its net zero ambitions.
Ed Miliband said in lifting the ban he said it was a crucial step for the UK in becoming “a clean energy superpower”.
He stated: “The onshore wind ban has been in place for nine years. We’ve been in Government for 72 hours - we’ve lifted it."
Rachel Reeves in her first speech as Chancellor of the Exchequer also announced: "We are ending the absurd ban on new onshore wind in England. We will also go further and consult on bringing onshore wind back into the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects regime, meaning decisions on large developments will be taken nationally not locally."
Reaction to ban has been widely positive
Industry reaction has been widely positive towards the removing the ban to onshore wind farms.
Renewable UK’s Head of Policy James Robottom welcomed the decision to remove the ban as he stated: “Lifting the ban on onshore wind in England, which has been in place for nine years, would strengthen our nation’s energy security and provide more clean electricity for consumers from one of our cheapest sources of new power. "
Meanwhile, Mike Childs, head of science, policy, and research at Friends of the Earth, also praised the decision, stating it is "an important stride towards delivering on our climate goals, while also paving the way for lower bills, as renewables produce some of the cheapest and cleanest energy available".
He added: "By harnessing the country’s vast renewable power potential, the new government is staking its claim as a global leader in the green energy transition."
James Robottom
James Robottom is a professional in policy, public affairs, and communications, specialising in technology, engineering, and climate change. He has a proven track record in managing stakeholders and building lasting relationships with policy and decision-makers.
Mike Childs
Mike Childs is a veteran environmental campaigner and researcher, particularly focused on climate change issues. He is equally comfortable facilitating grassroots strategy discussions, lobbying policy-makers, and speaking to the media.
Energy companies welcomed the ban being lifted too
Octopus Energy CEO Zoisa North-Bond said: “It’s fantastic to see Labour taking immediate action to unleash cheap, clean and secure power for Britain.
“Streamlining planning reform and fast-tracking shovel-ready renewables are key to boosting UK-wide investments in homegrown green power. We’ve had over 30,000 requests from local communities for our ‘Fan Club’ scheme – and with these reforms, we’ll be able to build onshore wind turbines quickly where people want them.
“As a next step, the Government should enable zonal pricing for energy. This would slash bills immediately across the country and unlock investment in new renewables where demand is high.”
Vattenfall's, Head of UK Onshore Development, Frank Elsworth, added: “Immediately removing the de facto ban on onshore wind in England is a clear sign the new government intends to accelerate the energy transition.
"We look forward to seeing their wider proposals in the National Planning Policy Framework later this month, but should also remember that speeding up consent processes and committing to securing enough capacity through the annual Contracts for Difference auctions are also necessary."
Zoisa North-Bond
Zoisa leads the team at Octopus Energy Generation and oversees Octopus Energy for Business, providing green energy to over 70,000 business customers. Additionally, Zoisa manages the Octopus Electroverse tech platform, a virtual network of 600,000 chargers for EV drivers.
Frank Elsworth
Frank Elsworth previously worked as a Project Manager and Head of Construction Management for Onshore Wind for Vattenfall before becoming, overseeing onshore wind installations before becoming Head of UK Onshore Development at Vattenfall.
But some are calling it an attack on the countryside
However, there have been critics of the policy such as from Lincolnshire County Councillor Colin Davie who called the decision "an attack on the countryside".
He claimed: "There is no indication that they actually understand what their announcements would mean for farmland and food security.
"That is actually a priority equal to anything else in my view and there’s been no attempt to address any of that."
Former Conservative MP for South Thanet, Craig Mackinlay, signed a letter encouraging the former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to keep the ban as he stated: “The problem with expanding wind farms is you expand your intermittency of power. It is not a solution for the long-term.
“In a country that has limited land for food production, to devote ever-increasing square miles to wind farms and solar seems to me a completely mad enterprise.”
News Editor Joseph has previously written for Today’s Media and Chambers & Partners, focusing on news for conveyancers and industry professionals. Joseph has just started his own self build project, building his own home on his family’s farm with planning permission for a timber frame, three-bedroom house in a one-acre field. The foundation work has already begun and he hopes to have the home built in the next year. Prior to this he renovated his family's home as well as doing several DIY projects, including installing a shower, building sheds, and livestock fences and shelters for the farm’s animals. Outside of homebuilding, Joseph loves rugby and has written for Rugby World, the world’s largest rugby magazine.
