Bute Energy celebrates UK wind energy milestone but asks for urgent reform in Wales’ current planning system.

In a landmark achievement for the UK’s renewable energy sector, the country has reached a total of 30GW of installed wind energy capacity, both onshore and offshore. This milestone, which highlights the incredible progress in harnessing wind power, marks a significant step toward a greener, more sustainable future for the UK.

This UK wind energy milestone was achieved through advances in turbine efficiency, with just 3,495 turbines generating 30GW in 2024, compared to the 8,347 turbines required to produce 15GW in 2017.

“We’re proud to join our industry colleagues in celebrating UK wind energy milestone,” says Stuart George, Managing Director at Bute Energy. “However, we must also acknowledge the significant challenges that continue to hinder the development of wind energy infrastructure here in Wales. Increased delays at PEDW, including six-month delays to new applications for Developments of National Significance, show we need a new approach to stay on track and meet national targets. These challenges must be addressed with urgency if we are to build at the speed and scale necessary to combat the climate crisis.”

How does on shore wind benefit Wales?

This ambitious undertaking will not only help tackle the climate emergency but also bring the largest investment in the rural economy in a generation. Bute Energy are committed to ensuring that the projects are community-centered, with up to £800 million invested into Community Benefit Funding over the lifetime of the wind projects.

To date, over £250,000 has been invested in local communities through partnerships with the FAW, the Eisteddfod Genedlaethol, Young Farmer Clubs, Literature Wales, Urdd, Wales Netball, ESSW STEM, St Davids Hospice Care, Brecon Mountain Rescue, The DPJ Foundation and others. The aim is to demonstrate to people what financial support they could receive in future once the Community Benefit Fund is up and running. Local projects, organisations and groups closest to the parks should start thinking about what would help their community thrive for generations to come.

If, or when, the projects are approved by a Welsh Government minister, the parks will need to built – this in turn will create up to 2,000 jobs for people in Wales who have the skills and experience to do so, thus strengthening the Welsh supply chain. This figure will include jobs which are created indirectly by the parks as the increase in work opportunities in the area increases the need for other services will be in demand.

Find out more about our work in the community by heading to our Cymuned page.

You can learn more about our energy parks by visiting our park pages.