RenewableUK is celebrating a new clean energy milestone, as 15GW of onshore wind capacity are now fully operational throughout the country. This milestone was reached with the completion of EDF Renewables UK’s West Benhar onshore wind farm in North Lanarkshire, featuring seven turbines with a total capacity of 30.1MW.This brings the total onshore wind capacity in the UK to 15.002GW across 2,631 projects, contributing approximately 11% of Britain’s annual electricity.
Scotland leads the way with 9.4GW of onshore wind capacity, accounting for 63% of the total UK capacity. In contrast, England, where restrictions on onshore wind were introduced in 2015, has only 2.93GW fully operational, representing less than 20% of the UK's capacity. Northern Ireland follows with 1.35GW (9% of UK onshore wind capacity), and Wales with 1.26GW (8%).
The Climate Change Committee has advised the Government to aim for 35GW of onshore wind capacity by 2035 as part of efforts to achieve net zero emissions.
Image courtesy EDF Renewables UK
