UK govt consults on more benefits for communities accepting onshore wind

The UK government has proposed expanding the reward schemes offered by onshore wind developers to the communities that agree to host their projects, which could include lower energy bills.

Today, it launched a consultation on the matter, entitled "Developing local partnerships for onshore wind in England."

In addition to improving benefits to local communities, the consultation seeks views on improving the way developers and communities engage when an onshore wind site is proposed in a local area.

Onshore wind will continue to be decided at a local level, the government said. Due to rigid rules, onshore wind has been blocked in England since 2015. To ease the situation, the government in December 2022 launched a consultation on proposed changes to national planning policy to explore how local communities can show support for wind farms. It is currently analysing the feedback and will respond in due course, according to the announcement.

Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Graham Stuart said that onshore wind is a vital part of the government’s plans to deliver cheaper, cleaner and more secure homegrown energy.

RenewableUK’s head of onshore wind James Robottom commented: “Alongside much-needed planning reforms, this consultation provides an opportunity to increase the amount of cheap clean power we can generate for consumers as well as strengthening our nation’s energy security.”

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