Onshore wind sector deal

Technical

We will take action to enable a fair, consistent and transparent aviation process, delivering enduring cooperative coexistence between onshore wind deployment and safe aviation operations. In addition, we will seek where possible to unlock onshore wind deployment restricted by the Eskdalemuir Seismic Array whilst ensuring its protection as a globally important facility.

It is anticipated that new onshore wind farms will be constructed with the latest onshore turbine technology, which could see turbines deployed with capacities typically 6MW or greater, tip heights of more than 200 metres, and rotor diameters of 160 metres or more. Using bigger, taller turbines will help minimise the cost of energy and overall land use requirements and ensure that projects are able to secure suitable turbines from the supply chain. However, this may also lead to greater impacts on aviation. With onshore wind in Scotland being well established, enduring coexistence through cooperation is sought to serve the requirements of both civil and military aviation alongside sustainable wind energy generation. Consideration of reserved aviation regulation policy areas will be required, and engagement with, and support from, UK Government departments is essential.

There are several existing groups that are already facilitating collaboration between key stakeholders and the onshore wind sector, such as the Aviation Lighting Working Group (AvLi), the Onshore Wind Aviation Radar Delivery 2030 Group (OnWARD 2030) and the Aviation Management Board (AMB) for communications, navigation and surveillance (CNS) technology. These groups will remain the vehicle through which the commitments outlined here will be developed and implemented and will ensure ongoing engagement with relevant UK Government departments.

The consultation zone of the Eskdalemuir Seismic Array (EKA), which extends into Northern England, represents around 10% of Scotland’s total land area and has the potential to support an additional minimum 2.5GW of wind energy. However, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) safeguarding requirements applicable to the EKA have resulted in limited development across the consultation zone since January 2018.

Collaborative action to support onshore wind

• By the end of 2023, collaboration between key stakeholders will deliver the results of a comprehensive national survey establishing the extent of aviation-related issues associated with onshore wind farm development and permitting. This critical evidence base will help identify the key challenges and allow all stakeholders to prioritise and focus on the best practicable solutions, for the short and long term.
• By the end of 2024 the same collaboration will publish details setting out a proactive, transparent, and consistent approach to the management of aviation issues relating to onshore wind developments, seeking to establish fair and equitable deployment and funding of aviation mitigation solutions. In addition, the collaboration will consider future financial implications and contractual arrangements in respect of mitigation implementation.

Sector action to support onshore wind

• Following on from, and considering the results of, the national aviation issues survey identified above, we will work with stakeholders to support the execution of a market survey on existing and emerging wind-farm-tolerant surveillance systems and their costs that will support the delivery of enduring solutions. This will be delivered by Q1 2024.
• We will collaborate with regulators and Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) to review and optimise Instrument Flight Procedures (IFPs) to accommodate maximum wind farm capacity while maintaining safe airport operations.
• We will collaborate with the aviation sector, civil and military, to identify mutually-acceptable mitigation solutions, considering the need for transparent, fair and equitable processes, and reduced costs, while ensuring safe airspace use and programme urgency. CNS technology developments and the UK Airspace Modernisation Strategy will also be considered.

Government action to support onshore wind

• By July 2024, we will finalise and actively promote the Aviation Lighting Assessment Guidance and ensure its implementation through the ECU, aligning safety with planning considerations.
• Where necessary, we will engage with UK Government to highlight and seek to address reserved matters regarding aviation regulation and defence requirements with the aim of seeking active participation in support of the delivery of this sector deal.
• We will support and help ensure fair and equitable outcomes in line with the Sector action to collaborate and innovate to find mutually acceptable solutions to technical, programme and commercial challenges.
• Via the Eskdalemuir Working Group, we will work collaboratively with the MOD to finalise a new approach to seismic noise budget management which will include reaching an agreement with the MOD regarding their acceptance of technical studies being conducted on behalf of Government, and to develop new guidance, with a view to enabling the development of a new safeguarding approach and management tool. This new approach will aim to support the consenting of projects via deliverable suspensive conditions, if necessary, that provide appropriate protection to MOD while maximising efficient wind energy generation. Guidance for the onshore wind sector will be issued for public consultation no later than January 2024.