Accelerating Deployment Through New Build and Repowering

Onshore wind remains one of the fastest and most cost-effective technologies for delivering Clean Power 2030. This Strategic Summit session explores how the UK can accelerate deployment by supporting both new developments and the repowering of existing wind farms, while addressing the practical barriers that continue to slow investment and project delivery.

The discussion reflects the renewed momentum behind onshore wind following recent policy reforms, including the Onshore Wind Strategy, changes to planning policy in England and progress on grid reform. Panellists agree that the sector has moved beyond debating the role of onshore wind and is now focused on delivery. The challenge is ensuring that projects can move efficiently from development through planning, financing and construction to become operational assets that contribute to the UK's growing clean energy system.

Repowering is a central theme throughout the session. Many of the UK's earliest wind farms are approaching the end of their original operating lives, creating an opportunity to replace older turbines with fewer, larger and more efficient machines that can significantly increase generation from established sites. Developers argue that these projects already benefit from proven wind resources, existing infrastructure and long-standing relationships with local communities, making them a valuable opportunity to expand renewable capacity while minimising new environmental impacts.

However, speakers also make clear that repowering is rarely straightforward. Existing projects face many of the same planning, environmental and grid challenges as entirely new developments, while uncertainty around grid connections, market design and planning policy can make investment decisions increasingly difficult. Several panellists warn that without a clearer framework for repowering, some operational wind farms may be forced to decommission before replacement projects are ready, creating the risk of losing renewable generation at a time when the UK is seeking to increase capacity.

Grid infrastructure emerges as the most significant constraint affecting both new build and repowering. Delays to transmission upgrades, uncertainty surrounding connection reform and the sequencing of new projects continue to influence investment decisions across the sector. Alongside grid challenges, the discussion highlights the importance of planning reform, aviation constraints, transport logistics, supply chain capacity and access to capital, all of which must be addressed if deployment is to accelerate at the pace required.

The conversation also considers the growing importance of community engagement and shared ownership. Panellists emphasise that successful projects increasingly depend on building long-term partnerships with local communities and ensuring that the economic benefits of renewable energy are shared more widely. Flexible approaches to community participation, rather than one-size-fits-all models, are seen as an important part of maintaining public support while attracting continued private investment.

The session concludes with a clear message that accelerating deployment requires more than ambitious targets. Success will depend on removing barriers throughout the entire project lifecycle—from planning and grid access to financing, construction and operation. While repowering and new build serve different purposes, both will be essential if the UK is to deliver Clean Power 2030 and build a resilient, affordable and secure electricity system for the decades ahead.

The session explores

• Accelerating onshore wind deployment through new projects and repowering
• The role of repowering in increasing renewable generation from existing sites
• Grid reform, connections and transmission capacity
• Planning, consenting and investment certainty
• Community engagement and shared ownership
• Financing, construction and long-term project delivery
• Delivering onshore wind's contribution to Clean Power 2030

Watch the full session to hear developers, policymakers and industry leaders discuss how onshore wind can be deployed more quickly, how repowering can unlock additional renewable capacity and what changes are needed to accelerate delivery across the UK.

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