Forward View
Tis would create 2000 jobs for the onshore wind industry. In addition, a £38 million wind turbine tower
factory is being opened in Chepstow, South Wales which will 240 jobs and has a capacity to manufacture 300 towers per year. At Allen & York we are also witnessing an increase
in vacancies are becoming available – with the aim to improve the efficiency, quality, reliability and safety of each wind energy project. We have also seen large growth within Central and
Eastern Europe and at Allen & York we have worked with major utility companies that have been hiring in this area. Te movement towards more onshore wind
development production would give the offshore wind sector and other renewables more time to develop their technologies and reduce costs.
Although wind energy is one of the cheapest of
the renewable energy technologies, it currently costs UK wind farms from £2000 to £4000 to produce one kilowatt of offshore wind, whilst in comparison it ranges from £1250 to £1573 to produce one kilowatt of onshore wind power1.
Planning challenge Reasons for the lower levsels of development in the onshore wind sector have in the past been associated with planning challenges, particularly due to the scale of expansion required to meet renewable energy targets and the genuine concern that poorly sited wind farms and turbines can damage habitats and fauna. It is crucial to create an effective planning system
that respects nature conservation concerns while securing rapid onshore wind development. In order to do this the UK should seek early engagement from stakeholders and clarity of nature conservation concerns, by developing high quality Environment Impact Assessments (EIA) to maximise local benefits and ensure effective ongoing wind farm management. Recognising the increase in roles in this area, at
Allen & York we are expanding our built environment team. Targeted urban planning and related policies, along
with research and development, could reduce fuel and financing costs and make on shore wind technologies more viable. With an international panel stating that three-
quarters of the world’s energy needs could be met from renewable sources by 20502 – having the right public sector policies in place is vital. In turn, the planning for renewables job market is seeing a surge, as the demand for more onshore wind farms increase, and the awareness for more efficient planning processes, there is an increase in due planning processes having to be adhered to. Another important aspect of the planning process to consider is the political will of the onshore wind project. Germany and Denmark, along with Scotland
8
www.engineerlive.com
and Wales demonstrate the importance of mobilising political will for the delivery of onshore wind development. Unlike Germany and Denmark, within the UK some local authorities can be discouraged from identifying areas for wind development in local plans, contributing to the slower development of such projects. In order to speed up their
onshore wind developments within the UK, we can learn lessons from the German system. Tis focuses on regional authority and divides land between priority areas for development and restricted or exclusion areas. Tis process appears to be able to provide both clarity and flexibility if properly implemented.
Investment It is clear from reflecting on the recent onshore/offshore debate that the balance in wind power generation needs to be redressed. Offshore wind farm development has benefited from an investment injection, enabling its surging growth; it may be time to pour some investment and a more cost effective planning focus into onshore wind farm expansion. ●
“It is crucial to create an effective planning system that respects nature conservation concerns whilst securing rapid onshore wind development.”
David Blake, Renewable Energy Recruitment Manager for Allen & York.
David Blake is Renewable Energy Recruitment Manager for Allen & York, Wimborne, Dorset, UK
www.allen-york.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68