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Countdown to 10% renewable electricity by 2010

Onshore wind planning consents

The 2010 target is achievable and is a test case by which the government will be measured. The success or otherwise in meeting this target will influence whether industry, stakeholders and the British public have confidence in the government meeting future targets on climate change, and holds the key to securing investor confidence in a long-term, sustainable UK renewables market.

The UK planning system has an overarching remit to deliver sustainable development and has the power to deliver the UK Government renewable energy targets for 2010 and beyond. However, political interests, misinformation and a lack of planning resources are leading to delays in the determination of wind farm applications at both the local and central government level.

A full breakdown of the steps needed in order to reach the 2010 target is set out in our 'Progress to 2010 Report'. You can find analysis of present and historical progress, snap-shot status reports and statistical analysis, along with details of projects currently in operation, under construction, consented and in planning at www.bwea.com/ukwed.

Planning for a Sustainable Future – but not before 2010

BWEA welcome many of the planning interventions proposed in the Government's Planning White Paper, including a dedicated National Policy Statement (NPS), which should provide greater clarity as to the role of renewable energy, and the potential for simplifying and accelerating the consenting process for major infrastructure projects in the medium to long term.

However, the current proposals fail to benefit existing onshore wind projects on two counts:

  • To address the backlog of current wind energy projects awaiting final determination within both the local planning system and Section 36 of the Electricity Act.
  • To address current barriers to achieving the UK's 10% renewable energy target for 2010, given that onshore wind is key to meeting this target.

BWEA's response to this consultation further highlights the current barriers to effective delivery of existing UK planning policy and the fundamental need for a consistent planning approach across devolved jurisdictions. This response recommends a number of revisions to the interventions being proposed in the Paper and details a number of immediate interventions, capable of addressing existing barriers.

Click here for full details of BWEA's response to the consultation paper.