Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has unveiled plans to almost double England’s onshore wind capacity to 29GW by 2030, part of a push to build a cleaner, cheaper energy system. Under the proposals, it could soon be much easier for households and small businesses to install wind turbines in their gardens or on rooftops.
Communities hosting large wind farms will get rewards like funding for new football pitches, libraries, or bill discounts. Supporters say the strategy will help cut reliance on expensive foreign gas and bring down energy bills in the long run.
Homeowners could use the power they generate or sell surplus electricity back to the grid. Ministers have outlined 40 actions for government and industry to hit the new target, which nearly doubles current onshore wind capacity of 14.8GW.
But critics aren’t impressed. The Conservatives have accused Miliband of putting climate targets ahead of reliability, warning the plans could make energy more costly and unpredictable.
Planning rules could soon be relaxed to make installing backyard turbines simpler, with a consultation already underway. Miliband says the move will give people more control over their power and help speed up the shift to net zero.