UK Unveils First-Ever Onshore Wind Strategy Aiming 2030 Target

The UK government has launched its first-ever Onshore Wind Strategy, setting out plans to achieve 27-29 GW of onshore wind capacity by 2030. The strategy aims to boost green power generation while creating thousands of new jobs across the country.

The new plan outlines more than 40 key actions to revive onshore wind development, following a de facto nine-year ban in England. The government estimates that delivering this strategy could more than double the current onshore wind workforce, supporting up to 45,000 skilled jobs by the end of the decade.

Key Measures to Unlock Wind Potential

Various notable actions are entailed in the strategy to boost UK’s clean energy ambitions. These include unlocking 10 GW of capacity by resolving conflicts between wind turbines and aerospace infrastructure. To ensure the existing fleet continues to generate clean power the strategy also includes repowering ageing turbines.

In addition, the strategy aims to streamline planning processes by updating decision-making tools and accelerating site assessments. Furthermore, it looks to expand the Clean Industry Bonus to encourage investments in British supply chains and industrial hubs.

The strategy also strengthens earlier reforms, such as lifting the planning ban on onshore wind in England and including projects in the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP) regime – placing them on equal footing with offshore wind and nuclear projects.

Economic and Community Benefits

Energy Minister Michael Shanks called onshore wind a ‘no-brainer,’ highlighting its low cost, rapid deployment, and local job creation. The government expects the clean energy transition to attract continued investment, with over GBP 40 billion in private clean energy funding announced since last July.

“After years of decline, we’re giving industry the tools to get building again, backing industrial renewal and secure, clean, homegrown energy through our Plan for Change,” Shanks said.

Communities hosting new onshore wind projects stand to benefit too. Updated voluntary guidance will offer them GBP 5,000 per megawatt per year for local initiatives – ranging from new community facilities to bill discounts. If the government meets its upper ambition of 29 GW, rural communities could see up to GBP 70 million annually in additional funding.

Industry Backs Government Push

Matthieu Hue, CEO of EDF Power Solutions UK & Ireland and co-chair of the Onshore Wind Taskforce, welcomed the strategy, calling it vital for overcoming deployment barriers and unlocking economic and environmental benefits.

A new Onshore Wind Council will oversee the implementation of the strategy, ensuring alignment with the UK’s broader goal of becoming a clean energy superpower.

In parallel, the government has completed the Marine Spatial Prioritisation Programme to de-risk offshore wind development. The initiative is expected to streamline planning and reduce risks for future offshore wind projects, with The Crown Estate’s Marine Delivery Route map guiding strategic seabed use while protecting marine ecosystems.