Lifting barriers to onshore wind and solar power could produce 13 times more electricity than current levels generated by these sources in England, new research has found.
To demonstrate the country’s vast renewable power potential, researchers at Exeter University’s Environmental Intelligence Centre and Friends of the Earth identified 219,800 hectares of land considered most suitable for new onshore wind developments and 295,000 hectares with potential for new solar sites, some of which can be utilised for both – all while protecting nature and important landscapes.
Using a conservative approach that, among other factors, excluded national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONBs), higher grade agricultural land, small developments and heritage sites*, the analysis still finds enough viable land to generate 130,421 GWh of solar power and 95,542 GWh of onshore wind. This is far in excess of current levels (17,063 GWh combined).
Estimates suggest the UK must double the amount of renewable electricity it produces over the next six years to help power the green transition and replace energy phased out from fossil fuels. This electricity is needed to meet targets on electric vehicles and the switch to clean heating, as well as to hit the UK’s vital domestic climate targets and international commitment to cut carbon emissions by 68% by 2030.
The research finds that if all the land identified were developed for onshore solar or wind, 2.5 times more electricity than currently required to power all households in England could be produced. Given the UK also has huge offshore renewable resources and potential for other clean energy sources such as rooftop solar, not all the land identified would be required to help boost the country’s renewable energy output.
With a combination of viable clean energy sources, this means the UK could generate more than enough renewable energy to power a fair green transition to a zero-carbon economy and end its reliance on dirty, expensive and fossil fuels.
What’s more, expanding onshore renewables would not only boost energy independence and end reliance on volatile global gas markets, the surplus power generated would also enable the UK to become a green energy superpower by exporting clean electricity to other countries .
Friends of the Earth is calling for:
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All parties to commit to lifting the restrictions on onshore wind farms in England the run up to the next election.
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Local authorities to identify ‘suitable areas’ for renewables in their Local Plan and/or Local Area Energy Plan.
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Investment in an electricity grid that’s fit for the 21st century as a top infrastructure priority.
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All renewable developments to deliver biodiversity benefits greater that the current statutory 10% minimum.
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Communities to benefit and be properly engaged in plans for renewable projects in their areas.
From community-owned and run projects to energy companies ensuring residents benefit from reduced costs – a range of opportunities to involve people in local schemes, particularly the most marginalised, must all be part of the mix.