Responding to the Government’s announcement about onshore wind projects, Energy UK’s Deputy Chief Executive, Dhara Vyas said:
“It’s welcome news that the Government has restated its commitment to removing the planning barriers that have almost entirely prevented new onshore wind projects over the last decade. Making it easier to repower and extend the life of existing onshore wind farms is another important step and while polling continues to show the popularity of onshore wind, it’s also right to see how local communities can benefit.
“Onshore wind is amongst the cheapest forms of energy as well as one of the quickest to build. It should already be playing an important role as we look to rapidly expand sources of domestic, clean energy to bolster our energy security, cut bills and reduce our expensive dependence on fossil fuels.
“While today’s statement confirms the changes the Government proposed last year, it has not, as yet, put onshore wind in the position where it is treated in the same way as other infrastructure planning applications. Without that, this will represent a missed opportunity as developers will remain reluctant about committing the time and expense of putting forward new onshore projects knowing they still face a higher risk of being blocked.”