Onshore wind
RPS wind farm services include consulting, site investigation, planning approvals, surveying, spatial intelligence, environmental assessments and project management.
Repowering onshore wind farms
Many wind farms in the UK are nearing the end of their operational lives. As wind energy technology has aged, developers are reaching a pivotal decision: whether to reinvest in more modern and efficient technologies, or upgrade and repower existing wind farms.
How can we make the most of the best wind sites and support the renewable energy transition? Stephen Lockwood, Senior Director – Ecology, reviews the benefits of upgrading wind technology and the key planning and environmental factors to consider when repowering wind farms.
Stephen Lockwood
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Wind energy in the UK
The UK government has recognised the importance of onshore wind in achieving national climate goals and has been working on policies to streamline the planning process and encourage investment in onshore wind projects. However, there are still some hurdles, such as local opposition and regulatory complexities, that can slow down progress. By fostering a supportive environment for repowering and new developments, the UK is aiming to enhance its renewable energy capacity, reduce carbon emissions, and ensure a stable energy supply for the future.
How to repower wind farms
When it comes to wind energy, asset owners and developers are facing important decisions as turbines reach the end of their operational lives.
Several factors can influence these decisions, such as a lack of public support, the need for environmental permits, land leases, or maintenance contracts. There are typically two main paths that can be followed:
- Full repowering: This involves taking down old turbines and replacing them with new ones on the same site.
- Lifetime extension: This option involves upgrading certain parts of the existing turbines while keeping the overall setup the same. It allows for the incorporation of new technology without completely overhauling the wind farm. This approach is sometimes referred to as refurbishment, enhancement, or reactivation.
Each choice has its benefits and challenges, and the right one often depends on local regulations and conditions, as well as the availability of local grid capacity and connections. This is proving to be one of the main stumbling blocks, with some schemes halted or suspended altogether.
The benefits of upgrading wind farms
Repowering wind farms in the UK and across Europe is an exciting opportunity to modernise energy sources and make them even more efficient.
Upgrading older turbines with the latest technology can lower costs and help meet the UK’s climate goals targeted for 2035 without putting a strain on society and reducing environmental impacts. Newer turbines are more efficient and ensure more stable power generation, although additional power inputs to the grid often require standby battery storage to ensure a smooth supply to the grid. Communities that are already familiar with wind farms are likely to be more supportive of these upgrades as they take up the same amount of land while producing more energy.
Overall, repowering allows us to make the most of the best wind sites, helping us generate more clean energy and stay on track to meet our renewable energy targets for the future.
Key considerations for repowering wind farms
Upgrading an existing onshore wind farm in the UK involves several important considerations regarding planning and environmental regulations.
Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
- Planning permission: Any significant changes to an existing wind farm, such as repowering or upgrading turbines, typically require new planning permissions. This process involves submitting a detailed application to the local planning authority, which will assess the proposal against local and national planning policies.
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): Depending on the scale of the upgrade, an Environmental Impact Assessment may be necessary. This assessment evaluates the potential environmental effects of the proposed changes, including impacts on wildlife, landscape, and local communities. It’s essential to identify and mitigate any adverse effects.
- Community engagement: Engaging with local communities is crucial. This can involve public consultations to gather feedback and address concerns. Building local support can help smooth the planning process and enhance social acceptance of the project.
- Grid connection and capacity: Upgrading turbines may require a review of the existing grid connection. It’s important to ensure that the local electricity grid can accommodate the increased output and that any necessary upgrades to the grid infrastructure are planned.
- Wildlife and habitat considerations: Assessments related to local wildlife and habitats are essential, especially if the site is near protected areas or habitats for endangered species. Mitigation measures may be required to minimise any negative impacts on local ecosystems.
- Noise and visual impact: Upgrades may alter the noise levels and visual appearance of the wind farm. Assessing these factors and addressing potential concerns from nearby residents is important for gaining planning approval.
- Compliance with national policies: The upgrade must align with national policies and targets for renewable energy, such as the UK’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions. Understanding how the upgrade fits into broader energy strategies can be beneficial.
- Health and safety regulations: Ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations during the upgrade process is crucial. This includes the safety of workers during construction and the ongoing operation of the upgraded wind farm.
By carefully considering these factors and engaging with relevant stakeholders, developers and asset owners can navigate the regulatory landscape effectively and enhance the potential for successful upgrades to existing onshore wind farms in the UK. Our environmental and planning teams have supported clients with onshore wind farms for many years. If you’re looking for guidance, reach out to our experts below.
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