Onshore Windfarm Applications Hit 10-Year High in England 2026

Onshore windfarm applications in England have surged to a 10-year high, marking a pivotal moment for renewable energy policy. The government's decision to overturn the de facto ban has unleashed a wave of new projects, with applications tripling since the ban was lifted.

The Resurgence of Onshore Wind in England

According to a Guardian analysis of government data, approximately 45 applications for new onshore windfarms were submitted in the year to March. This represents the highest annual level in a decade, a clear sign that developers are returning to England after years of stagnation.

Application Rates Soar

Before the Labour government came to power, monthly applications averaged about 9 megawatts (MW) on a rolling 12-month basis. By the beginning of this year, that rate had reached approximately 36MW per month. The contrast is even starker when compared to the nadir of onshore wind in England, when applications averaged just 1MW per month in the months before September 2023.

The increase in applications is not just a numbers game; it reflects a broader shift in public and political sentiment. Onshore wind is now seen as a cost-effective and reliable source of clean energy, capable of reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering household bills.

The Imerys project near St Austell, Cornwall, became the largest onshore windfarm in England to secure a government subsidy since the ban was lifted. The 20MW project, while dwarfed by many Scottish windfarms, represents a significant step forward for English renewable energy.

Why the Ban Was Lifted

The Conservative government's de facto ban, introduced in 2015, had effectively halted new onshore wind developments in England. The Labour government overturned this within days of coming to power, recognizing the potential of onshore wind to strengthen energy security, grow the economy, and reduce bills.

Impact on Energy Security and Economy

A government spokesperson stated: "For too long, a de facto ban held back onshore wind in England, despite its potential to strengthen our energy security, grow the economy and get bills down for good." The lifting of the ban has also made it easier for farms and factories to install single small turbines without planning permission.

Key Takeaways

• Onshore windfarm applications in England hit a 10-year high, with 45 applications in the last year.
• Monthly application rates have quadrupled from 9MW to 36MW since the ban was lifted.
• The Imerys project in Cornwall is the largest onshore windfarm to receive government subsidy post-ban.
• Policy changes now allow small turbines on farms and factories without planning permission.
• This resurgence supports energy security and economic growth while lowering consumer bills.

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