England Could Produce 13 Times More Renewable Energy, Using Less Than 3% of Land

According to a recent study commissioned by Friends of the Earth (FoE) and conducted by Exeter University, England has the potential to significantly increase its renewable energy output without encroaching on food production. The analysis suggests that onshore wind and solar projects alone could produce up to 226 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity, which is enough to power all households in England more than twice over.

Currently, England generates around 17 TWh of electricity annually from domestic renewables on land. However, the study indicates that there is potential for a substantial increase, with solar panels capable of contributing 130 TWh and onshore wind 96 TWh. These estimates only consider the most suitable sites, excluding areas like national parks, areas of outstanding natural beauty, prime agricultural land and heritage sites.

Critics have raised concerns about the impact of solar farms on food production, but the analysis suggests that there is ample available land for renewable energy projects without compromising agriculture. Interestingly, more land is currently occupied by golf courses than solar farms. Moreover, developers can implement measures to enhance biodiversity, such as maintaining hedgerows and ponds.

Despite the advantages of onshore wind energy, there have been obstacles to its expansion. In 2015, then-Prime Minister David Cameron effectively banned new onshore windfarms. Although there have been some attempts to lift the ban, real planning reform is deemed necessary by campaigners. Surprisingly, no new plans for onshore windfarms were submitted in England last year, despite the economic benefits and its status as the cheapest form of electricity generation.

The analysis excludes rooftop solar panels and there have been calls for them to be made mandatory on new-build housing. However, resistance from ministers persists, with housing developers, who are significant donors to the Conservative party, playing a role.

FoE has created a map highlighting potential sites for onshore wind and solar generation, with areas like North Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and the East Riding of Yorkshire showing promise. These sites occupy around 2.9% of the available land in England.

Tony Bosworth, a climate campaigner at Friends of the Earth, emphasised the urgent need for political leaders to prioritise renewable energy and address barriers to its expansion. This includes lifting restrictions on onshore windfarms, identifying suitable areas for renewable development, upgrading the electricity grid and implementing stricter requirements on developers to protect biodiversity.

In response, a spokesperson for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero highlighted the significant progress made in renewable energy capacity since 2010 and reiterated the government’s commitment to clean energy. They emphasised initiatives such as streamlining planning rules and investing in renewable energy sectors through auctions.