Thank you for contacting me about onshore wind energy.
Firstly, I do want to confirm that I am firmly in favour of renewable energy. Clean renewables are vital to achieving our carbon emissions and clean air targets, as well as safeguarding our future energy security. I am delighted that in 2021, 40% of the UK’s electricity generation came from renewable sources.
Wind power currently forms an important part of the UK’s renewable energy mix, recently reaching over 25GW of installed operational capacity, making the UK the sixth largest generator of wind power in the world.
I do think it is right that local people should have the final say on onshore wind proposals that can have a major impact on the countryside in their area. My own view is that offshore wind power has greater potential than onshore wind farms.
It is also important that we give proper consideration to other forms of renewable energy that may have a reduced impact on our rural landscape than onshore wind, including solar and tidal power. For example on solar power, I recently led a housing debate in Westminster Hall where I made clear my view that we should explore mandating building mounted solar panels for new industrial and residential developments.
I can assure you that I will continue to monitor Government policy in this area closely.
