- Wind developers urge the UK government to raise Scotland’s 2035 onshore wind capacity cap, warning of a “de-facto ban” post-2030.
- Developers risk losing millions in investments and job opportunities if the restrictive 700MW limit remains unchanged.
- Calls for action come ahead of the Strategic Spatial Energy Plan, which may arrive too late for projects in the early 2030s.
The UK government pressures a group of 13 onshore wind developers to clarify Scotland’s 2035 onshore wind capacity target under the Clean Power Action Plan. They warn that restrictive caps may impose a “de facto ban” on new projects after 2030.
In an open letter to UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, developers, including Low Carbon, OnPath, EDP Renewables, Muirhall Energy, and Voltalia, claim the current cap allows only 700MW of additional capacity between 2031 and 2035. This limit would slash post-2030 installations by 90%, effectively stopping new onshore wind projects in Scotland.
The developers caution that many projects, even those with submitted planning applications, could lose their grid queue positions and find themselves no longer needed. These include projects aligned with the government’s 2030 clean power targets.
They highlight the threat to both current and future investments. Existing projects risk losing hundreds of millions of pounds, while future investments worth billions would evaporate. Job creation would also suffer, as one of the most affordable and rapidly expanding clean energy sources faces limitations.
The developers urge the government to raise the 2035 cap for Scottish onshore wind. They request changes before May 2025 to ensure projects retain their grid connection slots. Without immediate action, many projects expected to be delivered by 2030 could face cancellation or delays.
The National Energy System Operator (NESO) and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) signal that the upcoming Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (SSEP) might adjust the 2035 cap. However, the developers argue the SSEP will arrive too late, as its release in Q4 2026 does not suit projects aiming to connect in the early 2030s.
Developers emphasise that projects looking to connect in 2031, 2032, or 2033 need clarity. They also note that planning, procurement, and construction processes require more time than the current timeline allows.
The group also questions whether the SSEP will fully capture the distributed nature of onshore wind projects. They believe the plan should serve as a guide, not a comprehensive solution.
They acknowledge Chris Stark’s recent remarks, in which DESNZ’s head of mission control stated the government does not intend to impose a de facto ban on the onshore wind in Scotland post-2030. Stark also mentioned significant growth opportunities for onshore wind in Scotland and England.
However, the developers assert that these remarks contradict what is written in the Clean Power Action Plan. They urge the government to resolve this inconsistency and provide more straightforward guidance.
The developers call for swift action to prevent project delays and ensure Scotland’s onshore wind capacity can meet its potential.