Removing barriers for Onshore Wind is key to powering the UK’s energy transition, says Bureau Veritas

With the consultation period for the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill: reforms to national planning policy, ending this week on March 2^nd, renewable energy expert Bureau Veritas is urging that the planning process for onshore wind farms must be streamlined, in order to prioritise the transition to lean and renewable energy sources across the UK.

Whilst backing the Bill in its bid to support economic growth; Bureau Veritas is warning that the current planning restrictions for onshore wind turbines are hindering progress and that it is essential to modify these as part of the Levelling Up Bill if the country is to move forward with the energy transition.

Mauricio

Pereira

Head of Renewable Energy

Bureau Veritas

Onshore wind power is one of the most cost-effective and scalable renewable energy sources available today. It has the potential to significantly contribute to the UK’s energy mix, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping to achieve the net-zero target by 2050. However, despite its enormous scope, the deployment of onshore wind turbines has been significantly constrained by planning regulations.

Since the effective planning ban came into force in England in 2015 there have been hundreds of onshore wind projects that have been shelved. This has led to developers having reduced confidence in the market, stopping the deployment of onshore wind farms. Should even half of these now become viable, they would serve as a significant boost to the local economy. This is exactly why the planning process needs to be more efficient.

The cost of renewable energy generation has fallen dramatically over the past decade, with onshore wind and solar energy now cheaper than coal and gas. Facilitating planning procedures for onshore wind, will also aid the UK’s reduction on fossil fuel reliance, which will help lower electricity bills for homes and businesses, making energy more affordable.

Mauricio continues: “The UK has set ambitious targets to reduce carbon emissions to net-zero by 2050. Achieving this goal will require significant investments in renewable energy infrastructure, including onshore wind and we need to ensure that such projects are given the same, if not expedited considerations in the planning system as other infrastructure.

By working with a third-party expert such as Bureau Veritas, onshore wind farm projects will be compliant and set-up to return the lowest possible carbon emissions. The dedicated team of experts will deliver flexibility and assurance with end-to-end solutions for compliance, safety and verification of onshore wind assets.

Mauricio concludes: “The Levelling-up Bill presents an opportunity to accelerate the UK's transition to clean energy sources and support economic growth in underdeveloped regions. Reviewing the current planning restrictions for onshore wind turbines and increasing the efficiency of the process will help to achieve these goals by increasing deployment at scale, reducing the cost of energy generation, creating jobs, and helping the UK to meet its carbon emission targets. To accelerate energy transition, it is therefore essential that we support the consultation process and remove barriers preventing onshore wind deployment as part of the Levelling Up Bill.”

Bureau Veritas offers a range of services to help drive confidence and efficiency for your renewable energy projects ensuring the safe, reliable delivery and operation. Our services cover design, supply chain, construction, and asset management to ensure we are shaping a world of trust.