England could produce 13 times more renewable energy, using less than 3% of land – analysis

England’s Potential for Renewable Energy

Introduction

A recent analysis conducted by Exeter University, commissioned by Friends of the Earth (FoE), has revealed that England has the potential to produce 13 times more renewable energy while utilizing less than 3% of its land. The study highlights the significant opportunities for onshore wind and solar projects to generate enough electricity to power all households in England two and a half times over.

Potential Renewable Energy Generation

Currently, England generates approximately 17 terawatt hours of electricity per year from homegrown renewables on land. However, the analysis suggests that solar panels could provide an additional 130TWh, while onshore wind could contribute 96TWh. These figures only consider the most suitable sites, excluding national parks, areas of outstanding natural beauty, higher grade agricultural land, and heritage sites.

Addressing Concerns

Some concerns have been raised regarding the impact of solar farms on agricultural production. However, the analysis indicates that there is ample land available for renewable energy projects without impairing agricultural activities. Interestingly, more land is currently occupied by golf courses than solar farms. Developers can also implement measures to enhance biodiversity, such as maintaining hedgerows and ponds.

Challenges and Reforms

Onshore windfarms were effectively banned in 2015, but small changes to planning regulations were made in an attempt to lift the ban. However, these changes were deemed ineffective, and real planning reform is necessary. Surprisingly, no plans for new windfarms were submitted in England last year, despite the rising costs of gas and electricity bills. Onshore wind remains the cheapest form of electricity generation.

Opportunities for Improvement

The analysis focuses solely on land-based renewable energy and excludes rooftop solar panels. Calls for mandatory solar panels on new-build housing have been resisted by ministers. Retrofitting existing homes with renewables and low-carbon features is significantly more expensive than incorporating them into new builds. Housing developers, who are among the largest donors to the Conservative party, could play a crucial role in promoting renewable energy adoption.

Mapping Potential Sites

Friends of the Earth has created a map that identifies potential sites for onshore wind and solar generation. North Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and the East Riding of Yorkshire exhibit particularly favorable conditions. These sites account for approximately 2.9% of the available land in England, totaling about 374,900 hectares (926,400 acres).

Importance of Sustainable Development Goals

Tony Bosworth, climate campaigner at Friends of the Earth, emphasizes the significance of unlocking the UK’s renewable energy potential to achieve sustainable development goals. He calls on all political parties to lift restrictions on onshore windfarms, for local authorities to identify suitable areas for renewable development, for upgrades to the electricity grid, and for stricter requirements on renewable developers to protect biodiversity.

Community Benefits and Government Response

Local communities can benefit from renewable energy projects through initiatives such as offering cheaper power or providing a share in the development. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero highlights the progress made in increasing onshore wind power capacity and the significant contribution of renewables to the UK’s electricity generation. The government has also allocated a substantial budget for renewable energy projects.

Conclusion

The analysis underscores the immense potential for England to generate clean and affordable renewable energy. By embracing onshore wind and solar projects, England can make significant progress towards reducing carbon emissions and achieving its international targets. It is crucial for political leaders to prioritize renewable energy development, invest in necessary infrastructure, and create policies that support long-term job creation and a sustainable economy.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

The article discusses the potential for England to produce more renewable energy, specifically through onshore wind and solar projects. This aligns with SDG 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.

SDG 13: Climate Action

The article emphasizes the importance of increasing renewable energy generation to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. This relates to SDG 13, which focuses on taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

SDG 15: Life on Land

The article mentions the need to protect biodiversity and enhance it through measures such as maintaining hedgerows and ponds in renewable development. This is connected to SDG 15, which aims to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The article highlights the potential for renewable energy generation in urban areas and the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This aligns with SDG 11, which focuses on making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix

The article discusses the potential for England to significantly increase its renewable energy generation through onshore wind and solar projects. By utilizing suitable sites, England could produce much more renewable energy than it currently does.

Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning

The article emphasizes the need for the government to lift restrictions on onshore windfarms, identify suitable areas for renewable development, and upgrade the electricity grid to support the expansion of renewable energy. These actions align with the target of integrating climate change measures into national policies and planning.

Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services

The article mentions the importance of protecting biodiversity and enhancing it through measures such as maintaining hedgerows and ponds in renewable development. This aligns with the target of ensuring the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management

The article highlights the potential for renewable energy generation in urban areas and the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By increasing renewable energy capacity, cities can reduce their adverse environmental impact, particularly in terms of air quality and electricity generation.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• Percentage of electricity generated from renewable sources: This indicator can measure progress towards Target 7.2 of increasing the share of renewable energy in the energy mix.
• Potential electricity generation from onshore wind and solar projects: This indicator provides an estimate of the potential renewable energy capacity that can be achieved through onshore wind and solar projects, contributing to Target 7.2.
• Reduction in carbon emissions: This indicator can measure progress towards Target 13.2 of integrating climate change measures into national policies and planning.
• Increase in renewable energy capacity: This indicator can track progress towards Targets 7.2 and 13.2, as it reflects the expansion of renewable energy generation.
• Protection of biodiversity through renewable development: This indicator aligns with Target 15.1 of ensuring the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
• Enhancement of biodiversity through measures such as maintaining hedgerows and ponds: This indicator also relates to Target 15.1, as it focuses on the restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
• Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation: This indicator measures progress towards Target 11.6 of reducing the adverse environmental impact of cities, particularly in terms of air quality and electricity generation.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators