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England could produce 13 times more clean energy than at present, according to eco-researchers
17/4/2024
Lifting barriers to onshore wind and solar power could produce 13 times more electricity than current levels generated by these sources in England, according to new research from Exeter University’s Environmental Intelligence Centre and Friends of the Earth.
Onshore renewable energy is fast to build in the UK, taking as little as one year if planning and grid constraints are resolved, claim the environmentalists. However, development is being held back by long delays in hooking up to an antiquated electricity grid that’s not fit for purpose, says Friends of the Earth. According to the energy regulator Ofgem, nearly half of projects must wait five years for a connection to the grid, while some may have to wait 10 years or more. However, Ofgem and the government recently published an action plan which aims to reduce this waiting time.
New analysis from Exeter University and Friends of the Earth suggests that if such barriers could be lifted, just 2.9% of land (374,900 hectares) in England considered ‘most suitable’ for new onshore wind and solar farms could generate up to 13 times more clean electricity than at present. This is equivalent to more than 2.5 times the electricity currently consumed by homes (20% of total energy consumption). Despite that, they are not advocating for this, citing the abundance of offshore energy potential also available.
The researchers 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.
The study’s interactive map shows the sites at local authority level, with North Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and the East Riding of Yorkshire noted as areas with the greatest untapped potential.
England’s national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONBs), higher-grade agricultural land, small developments and heritage sites, were excluded from the analysis. Nevertheless, the researchers found there was still enough viable land to generate 130,421 GWh of solar power and 95,542 GWh of onshore wind – far in excess of current levels of 17,063 GWh combined.
National Grid ESO 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 uptake of electric vehicles and the switch to clean heating, as well as to hit the UK’s domestic climate targets and international commitment to cut carbon emissions by 68% by 2030.
‘This [map] shows that, alongside estimates for huge offshore wind potential, offshore solar and rooftop solar, the UK not only easily has the potential to meet its own energy needs, but it could also become a green energy superpower exporting clean, cheap, green electricity to other countries,’ suggest the researchers.
Commenting on the findings, Tony Bosworth, climate campaigner at Friends of the Earth, says: ‘Unleashing the UK’s immense potential to generate cheap, clean homegrown renewables is essential to bring down our energy bills for good, and meeting the UK’s vital international target to reduce carbon emissions by two-thirds by 2030.’
New Scottish Highlands wind farm
In related news, the Scottish government has granted development consent to Chleansaid wind farm near Lairg, in the Scottish Highlands.
The project, being developed by ESB, will create 96 MW of additional renewable energy capacity. Up to 16 turbines will sit on-site alongside a 20 MW battery energy storage scheme.
The development is expected to save some 132,500 tCO₂e/y and approximately 4.5mn tCO₂e over its operating life.
Construction is planned to begin in 2026, with a grid connection and the beginning of operations set for 2027.
Sunnica solar decision delayed… again
Meanwhile, the UK government is understood to have once again delayed the decision on the development consent order (DCO) for the Sunnica solar farm, pushing it back until 20 June. The decision previously was due to be announced by 11 April, itself the third deadline set.
Sunnica is to comprise some 2,500 acres of solar panels on three sites near Newmarket on the border between Suffolk and Cambridgeshire. If it goes ahead, it will be more than 10 times the size of the Shotwick solar farm in Flintshire, which is reported to currently be the largest solar farm in the UK.
