For years, the UK’s land wind sector has made a comeback, with nearly 18 GW of GW queued for connections on the horizon and ambitious new grid reforms.
As Suzanna Lashford of Vattenfall Idno points out, ambitions were never an issue. The challenge is now to build projects that will serve both the grid and the communities they pass through.
The UK’s onshore wind sector is experiencing a major revival. Following the Labour Government’s decision to lift restrictive planning rules, developers are once again investigating wind projects that have been on the sidelines for years. This policy shift will reclassify large onshore wind farms as nationally important infrastructure projects, streamline approvals and reduce local veto.
Onshore wind helps meet net zero targets
This change is important to achieving UK net zero targets. The government has set a target of connecting 30 GW of onshore winds by 2030, but currently only 15 GW is built in the country, with only about 18 GW in the grid connection queue.
“That gap underscores the need to unlock more capacity,” Rashford said. “The appetite is clearly there, but historically, policy and access to the grid has hindered things.”
Encouraged, the grid reform proposed by NESO could be a turning point. According to an analysis by Rystad Energy, these changes are likely to favor wind power across solar in the connecting process, and could accelerate the deployment of onshore winds across the UK.
“The Wind has always been a strong candidate for scale and resilience,” Rashford added. “Good regulatory support and smarter grid connections allow us to go far beyond what people notice.”
Pylon problems and underground solutions
Despite positive momentum, community opposition is often labelled “not my backyard” (Nimby) – a challenge, especially with regard to the visual impact of overhead pylons. Overheadlines are cost-effective, but can face serious resistance from local residents. Planners often prefer underground cables to alleviate these concerns, but this approach can be more expensive.
Independent Distribution Network Operators (IDNOS) are crucial in promoting onshore wind power projects. Unlike traditional distribution network operators (DNOS), IDNOs increase the flexibility of network design, supplier selection, and route planning. This flexibility can lead to significant cost savings and a more efficient project timeline.
Another benefit of partnering with IDNO is that it helps you identify the best cable routes that minimize environmental impacts and community disruption. IDNO’s approach involves personalized engagement with landowners, ensuring their concerns are addressed and the agreement is achieved in a friendly manner. This is in contrast to the stiffer processes that are often associated with DNOS. Additionally, IDNOS provides payments for assets and provides developers with financial incentives that are not available through DNOS.
Hybrid Energy is not plug and play
Battery storage has hit economic headwinds in recent months, but when paired with onshore winds, the outlook brightens. The Hybrid Project offers more than just a green power boost. Increases reliability, smooths intermittent and unlocks new revenue streams.
However, pairing the two technologies adds complexity. From grid compliance to system integration, hybrid sites require careful design and execution.
“It’s not easy to design a hybrid site because it balances a variety of technologies,” explained Rashford.
“However, a proper technical approach can ensure that we work together efficiently both operationally and economically.”
Second shot to get it right
The return of onshore winds has been long postponed, not just because of net-zero targets, but because of a more balanced approach to energy development. Those who have recognized local concerns, found smarter ways to avoid past mistakes and bring about progress.
Rashford concluded: “To make this right, you need more than ambition. You need a partner who understands not just collaboration, clarity and infrastructure that’s what you build, but how, where, and who it is going to build.”
“That’s where IDNOS can make a difference. By connecting the dots between policies, technology, and people on the ground. Winds on land don’t need reinvention. They need a second chance.
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