New analysis shows UK regions would receive economic boost from new onshore wind auctions.
Following the publication of ‘The Power of Onshore Wind” in June, renewable energy consultants BVG Associates (BVGA) has carried our further analysis on the regional economic impact of awarding contracts for 5 gigawatts (GW) of new onshore wind power between 2019 and 2025 .
The original analysis considered five new 1 GW Contract for Difference (CfD) auctions held from 2019 and at 18 month intervals thereafter, and showed further deployment of onshore wind could deliver:
- A net payback to UK consumers of £1.6 billion.
- UK content for projects increasing to 70%.
- 18,000 skilled jobs during the peak years of construction and 8,500 people employed in long-term skilled jobs when all the wind farms are operating.
- 60% of the jobs would be created in Scotland, 17% in Wales and 23% in England (where many HQs are located).
- 86% of the projects by capacity would be built in Scotland and 12% in Wales. Less than 2% would be built in England made up of small scale projects (sub 50MW) of a type typically developed by communities.
This regional analysis published today shows that south west Scotland, Scottish Highlands, mid Wales, and the regions around Glasgow would receive the greatest boost to local jobs and economic growth by the further deployment of onshore wind as a result of the five CfD auctions. As wind farms are typically built in areas of low population densities, rural areas would receive proportionally more of the benefit from these infrastructure investments.
This new analysis is supported by ScottishPower Renewables, Vattenfall, innogy and Statkraft.
Bruce Valpy, Managing Director at BVGA said: “Understanding the regional impact of onshore wind investment highlights its role in job and value creation in local neighbourhoods. The UK needs to build a sustainable electricity mix that makes the most of our natural resources and capable workforce.”
Download “Annex: The Power of Onshore Wind - Regional Analysis”
