Wind power

Onshore, small-scale wind generation may well undergo a resurgence in the short-to-medium term and can work well alongside solar PV generation.

Since the change in policy to a less supportive planning system in the early 2010s, onshore wind generation deployment has been extremely low. Opposition from local residents and installation difficulties have provided further barriers to building wind farms.

The Renewable UK wind power database is a useful resource. It shows the mix of turbine stock throughout the UK, and that most operational turbines are in the 250kW plus sizes. These will provide more energy requirement than the average dairy farmer will have. Therefore, grid connection and export capability become defining factors where the surplus energy cannot be put to sensible additional uses.

Potential benefits and return on investment

A 250kW turbine project is likely to cost £500,000 - £750,000 and produce energy with a value of £70,000 per annum (where approximately 40% energy is substituted and the remainder exported), giving a return on investment of between seven and ten years disregarding any potential incentives.

However, it is likely that onshore (and possibly small scale) wind generation will undergo a resurgence in the short-to-medium term. There is improved public perception, set against the requirement for the UK and agriculture to meet Net Zero CO₂ emissions aspirations.

Furthermore, the technology can generate electricity that meets demand when solar PV is not producing. The two often very complement one another, with wind generation more common in winter months. However, unlike solar power, wind generation is less predictable and can occur at any time of day. Therefore, load shifting through battery storage has the potential to make an even more significant contribution.

The use of complementary energy generation technologies, such as matching wind power and solar power, is useful for those who want to have a site that can be wholly self-sufficient in energy or exist off the network. Under these circumstances, it is not always possible to provide all energy from renewable sources, even where batteries are fitted. Therefore, additional backup will be required, such as the installation of a fossil fuel powered generator for use in exceptional circumstances.