Onshore Wind Conference 2026: turning promise into power
The Onshore Wind Conference 2026 hosted in Edinburgh on 1-2 September came at an important time to reflect on a year of momentum across the sector. As we move towards 2030 and begin to look at what lies beyond, all eyes are now on driving delivery at scale.
Government and industry must continue to work together to optimise the opportunities this new era of clean energy will bring to communities, businesses and regions across the UK.
Scotland continues to lead the way
The UK’s portfolio has grown by 6.5% over the past year and now stands at almost 50GW, with Scotland accounting for 75% of the pipeline1. Throughout the conference, Scotland was consistently recognised as the sector’s ‘engine room’ – and the catalyst required to unlock 27-29 GW of onshore wind by 2030.
A key challenge for Scotland is how to ensure the longevity of the sites which are fast approaching end-of-life decisions. The sector is calling for clarity and collaboration – to guide spatial planning, prioritise repowering, and guarantee grid availability.
Repowering is a strategic priority
The question of repowering is being asked – and the sector is ready to answer.
With more than 200 wind farm projects scheduled to enter the end-of-life process by 20302, repowering presents an opportunity to strengthen the onshore wind fleet and secure our homegrown energy supply. Newly repowered sites, such as Iberdrola’s Hagshaw Hill in Scotland, demonstrate how existing projects can deliver significantly more capacity, enhanced community benefits, and technological innovation.
However, new research from Copper Consultancy and BMG research reveals a critical gap in public understanding. Whilst 70% of adults surveyed support the principle of repowering, only 32% could correctly define it. This disconnect risks slowing progress and weakening the link between innovation and energy security, unless addressed through strategic engagement.
As conversations during the conference reflected, we all have a role to play in bridging this information gap and building understanding and a sense of trust in communities closest to projects.
Community participation is evolving
Community expectations are rising, and developers are under increasing pressure to demonstrate tangible benefits – from investment in regional supply chains, to tailored community funding and shared ownership models.
Yet, panel discussions warned against treating the ‘community’ as a single, unified voice, which risks amplifying only the loudest voices in the room. Many people living closest to onshore wind projects face systemic barriers to participation, including time limitations, digital exclusion and low awareness of engagement opportunities. As community benefit moves from best practice towards becoming a material planning consideration, developers must ensure initiatives reach the households with the greatest need.
The look ahead:
- The Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (SSEP)
The sector is preparing for NESO’s Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (SSEP), expected next year. The SSEP is anticipated to provide investor certainty, strengthen routes-to-market, and set out clear pathways for onshore wind deployment across the UK. - Grid reform
Grid capacity and connection challenges remain defining constraints to onshore wind development. Long-term planning – supported by the SSEP – is needed to reduce delays and enable a more strategic approach to grid reform, turning the promise of this next phase of onshore wind into clean, affordable power for all.
To find out more or discuss Copper’s work in Onshore Wind or any of our Renewables projects, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Sam Cranston, Director of Energy or Tom Byrne, Head of Renewables.
You can also download a copy of the Onshore Wind report here