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Onshore Wind Conference 2024: Powerful plans for action ahead

James Towell, Net Zero Design Engineer for Ennovus Solutions, at the 2024 Onshore Wind Conference in Edinburgh.
James Towell, Net Zero Design Engineer for Ennovus Solutions, at the 2024 Onshore Wind Conference in Edinburgh.

Ennovus Solutions was represented at the 2024 Onshore Wind Conference in Edinburgh and gained insights. Allow James Towell, Net Zero Design Engineer, to explain more…

Following on from Ed Miliband’s lifting of the de facto ban on onshore wind, the 2024 Onshore Wind Conference in Edinburgh proved to be bigger and better than ever. Over the two-day event, 800 industry insiders attended, spanning policy-makers, OEMs, developers, contractors, consultants, engineers and legal counsel.

The event was a real who’s who of the onshore wind sector, so it was an opportunity that Ennovus Solutions could not miss out on. The buzz was noticeable, with a record-breaking CFD auction being announced on the first day. The tide is turning for the renewables sector and onshore wind is front and centre.

A ministerial address, from the Secretary of State himself, outlined the clear commitment from the government to advancing onshore developments. Swift and decisive action has already been taken, with an unparalleled determination to reach a target of 100% renewable electricity by 2030.

Planning policies have been altered in England accordingly, with a new Onshore Wind Industry Taskforce set up as part of the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero. The government’s own Joe Penrose, Head of Onshore Wind within the civil service, himself described the Secretary of State as “a man in a hurry.”

This doesn’t come without a sense of caution, though. There are still real barriers to onshore developments, either at utility scale or for private businesses.

The complexity of planning processes and differing policies across devolved nations was discussed at length. New legislation for biodiversity net gain is a hugely positive step to ensuring that projects do not harm the ecosystems in which they are sited.

However, it does present a barrier to the development and standardisation of the EIA process is yet to be finalised. The supplier showcase was another highlight of the event, explaining how the industry is fronting up to issues on circular economy and cyber security.

How the presence of innovative technologies can be utilised to overcome concerns presented by the civil aviation and defence sectors was also outlined. Finally, it certainly wouldn’t be a conference on renewable energy without grid connection issues being discussed.

Despite the hurdles, lessons have been learned from the Scottish Onshore Wind Sector deal that was signed a year ago. The industry is more equipped to accelerate development. Across the UK, more resources and training for planning authorities have been committed to, research into the true socio-economic benefits of onshore wind.

This has been published to support the community education and cross-government consultations aim to half consenting timelines, before the 2025 conference can take place. As a leading Net Zero delivery provider, Ennovus’ attendance put the spotlight on how businesses should develop their own onshore wind projects.

Conversations with civil servants revealed that the Onshore Wind Taskforce is directly analysing the policy gap, with respect to Ennovus’ projects. Collaborative discussions with utility scale developers, planning experts, grid consultants, data analysts, asset managers and engineering contractors revealed the best practices.

Ennovus are here to deliver turn-key onshore wind projects to our clients. Onshore wind is back and Ennovus Solutions are here to deliver it.

For enquires and more information about renewable energy, reach out to Ennovus Solutions. To contact us, call 0116 234 6190, fill out an enquiry form or utilise the live webchat function.

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