After years on pause, the UK’s onshore wind sector is making a comeback, with nearly 18 GW queued for connection and ambitious new grid reforms on the horizon.
As Suzanna Lashford of Vattenfall IDNO points out, ambition was never the issue. The challenge now is building projects that work for both the grid and the communities they pass through.
The UK’s onshore wind sector is experiencing a significant resurgence. Following the Labour government’s decision to lift restrictive planning rules, developers are once again exploring wind projects that had been sidelined for years. This policy shift reclassifies large onshore wind farms as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, streamlining approvals and reducing local veto power.
Onshore wind can help meet net-zero targets
This change is crucial for achieving the UK’s net-zero targets. While the government has set a goal of connecting 30 GW of onshore wind by 2030, the country currently has just 15 GW built, and only about 18 GW in the grid connection queue.
“That gap underscores how urgently we need to unlock more capacity,” said Lashford. “The appetite is clearly there, but historically, policy and grid access have held things back.”
Encouragingly, NESO’s proposed grid reforms could be a turning point. According to analysis by Rystad Energy, these changes are likely to favour wind over solar in the connection process, potentially accelerating onshore wind deployment across the UK.
“Wind has always been a strong candidate for scale and resilience,” Lashford added. “With the right regulatory support and smarter grid connections, it can go much further than people realise.”
The pylon problem vs the underground solution
Despite the positive momentum, community opposition — often labelled as “Not In My Back Yard” (NIMBY) — remains a challenge, particularly concerning the visual impact of overhead pylons. While overhead lines are cost-effective, they can face significant resistance from local residents. Planners often prefer underground cabling to mitigate these concerns, although this approach can be more expensive.
Independent Distribution Network Operators (IDNOs) are pivotal in facilitating onshore wind projects. Unlike traditional Distribution Network Operators (DNOs), IDNOs offer greater flexibility in network design, supplier selection, and route planning. This flexibility can lead to significant cost savings and more efficient project timelines.
Another benefit of partnering with an IDNO is that it can assist in identifying optimal cable routes that minimise environmental impact and community disruption. The IDNO’s approach includes personalised engagement with landowners, ensuring that their concerns are addressed and agreements are reached amicably. This contrasts with the more rigid processes often associated with DNOs. Moreover, IDNOs can offer asset payments, providing developers with financial incentives that are not available through DNOs.
Hybrid energy isn’t plug-and-play
Battery storage has hit economic headwinds in recent months, but when paired with onshore wind, the outlook brightens. Hybrid projects offer more than just a green power boost: they increase reliability, smooth out intermittency, and unlock new revenue streams.
However, pairing two technologies brings added complexity. From grid compliance to system integration, hybrid sites demand careful design and execution.
“Designing hybrid sites isn’t straightforward, as you’re balancing different technologies with different behaviours,” explained Lashford.
“However, with the right technical approach, they can be made to work together efficiently, both operationally and financially.”
A second shot at getting it right
The return of onshore wind feels long overdue — not just for the sake of net-zero targets, but for a more balanced approach to energy development. One that recognises local concerns, avoids the mistakes of the past, and finds smarter ways to deliver progress.
Lashford concluded: “Getting this right will take more than ambition. It’ll take collaboration, clarity, and partners who understand that infrastructure isn’t just about what you build — it’s how, where, and with whom you build it.”
“That’s where IDNOs can make the difference: by connecting the dots between policy, technology, and people on the ground. Onshore wind doesn’t need a reinvention. It needs a second chance — handled better.”
