A recent analysis conducted by Exeter University, commissioned by Friends of the Earth (FoE), has unveiled that England has the capacity to generate 13 times more renewable energy than its current output, utilizing less than 3% of its land area.
The research indicates that onshore wind and solar projects alone could supply enough electricity to power all households in England two and a half times over. Presently, approximately 17 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity annually are sourced from homegrown renewables on land.
However, the analysis suggests that there is potential for 130TWh from solar panels and 96TWh from onshore wind, even after excluding unsuitable sites such as national parks, areas of outstanding natural beauty, high-grade agricultural land, and heritage sites.
Contrary to concerns raised by some commentators about solar farms impeding agricultural production, the analysis suggests there’s ample land available for renewable energy projects without compromising farming activities. Notably, more land is occupied by golf courses than solar farms, and developers can undertake measures to enhance biodiversity, such as maintaining hedgerows and ponds.
Despite the cost-effectiveness of onshore wind as a source of electricity generation, its development has been hindered since 2015, when onshore wind farms were effectively banned by the then-prime minister, David Cameron. Although there have been slight regulatory adjustments, campaigners argue they have been ineffective in lifting the ban. The lack of new wind farm plans in England, despite high gas prices and rising bills, underscores the urgency for real planning reform and a shift towards renewable energy sources.
Friends of the Earth has urged all major political parties to commit to lifting restrictions on onshore wind farms, identify suitable areas for renewable development, upgrade electricity grids to accommodate renewable energy expansion, and impose stricter requirements on developers to safeguard biodiversity.
Moreover, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero highlighted that England’s onshore wind power capacity has significantly increased since 2010, and renewables now account for nearly half of the country’s electricity. The government has streamlined planning rules to facilitate the identification of suitable land for onshore wind projects and allocated substantial funds for renewables auctions to further bolster the clean energy sector.
The findings emphasize the vast untapped potential for renewable energy in England and the need for decisive action to harness this potential to mitigate climate change and ensure energy security.
