The UK government has unveiled a bold new plan that would see ministers given the final say on approving large onshore wind farms, bypassing local councils where opposition to such projects has often been strong.
The proposal is part of a wider “ambitious” action plan aimed at achieving 95% clean energy by 2030. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband is expected to announce the sweeping proposals on Friday, which are designed to accelerate the country’s transition to renewable energy.
Under the new framework, central government would take over decision-making authority on major wind farm projects, sidelining local councils that have frequently blocked or delayed developments due to local opposition.
Supporters of the plan argue that it is necessary to overcome the growing resistance to onshore wind projects, which has become a significant barrier to meeting the UK’s clean energy goals.
Onshore wind is considered one of the most cost-effective forms of renewable energy, but many communities have expressed concerns over the visual impact, noise, and potential disruption caused by wind farms.
Local councils, many of which are sensitive to voter concerns, have often sided with residents in opposing large-scale developments.
Miliband’s plan also includes provisions to give more power to the energy regulator, enabling it to prioritize renewable energy projects that are waiting to connect to the National Grid.
This move aims to streamline the process and reduce the backlog of clean energy projects that are essential to meeting the government’s climate commitments.
“The urgency of the climate crisis demands swift action, and these proposals will help unlock the full potential of renewable energy sources like onshore wind,” Miliband said in a statement.
“By cutting through the local blockages and accelerating the rollout of green energy, we are taking a decisive step toward a cleaner, greener, and more affordable energy system.”
However, the plans have already faced criticism from some quarters, particularly from the opposition Conservative Party.
Claire Coutinho, the Conservative Shadow Secretary of State for Energy Security, has warned that the government’s approach could lead to higher bills for consumers.
“Instead of empowering local communities, these proposals will centralize power in Whitehall, forcing projects on people who do not want them,” Coutinho said. “It risks driving up energy costs for households and businesses across the country.”
The controversy over onshore wind developments is not new. While the UK has made significant strides in offshore wind capacity, onshore wind has been a more contentious issue, particularly in rural areas where communities have voiced concerns about the impact on their surroundings.
Critics argue that ministers, sitting far from the local impacts, may not fully understand the concerns of the communities affected by such large-scale developments.
In addition to the onshore wind approval changes, the government’s action plan includes measures to boost investment in other renewable energy sectors, such as solar power and offshore wind.
Miliband emphasized that the transition to clean energy would not only help combat climate change but also create jobs and improve energy security for the UK in the long term.
Despite the opposition from some political figures and local councils, the government remains firm in its commitment to its clean energy goals.
With the approval of large wind farms and other renewable energy projects, the UK aims to drastically reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and significantly cut carbon emissions in the coming years.
As the government moves forward with its proposals, the debate over the balance between local opposition and national priorities is set to continue.
