Land take for solar and wind could reach 200,000 acres-plus by 2040

Pressure on farmland from solar and wind energy targets is expected to soar by 2040, with one estimate suggesting that about 219,000 acres of additional land could be needed to host infrastructure alone.

Data on government energy and emissions projections suggest that total installed renewables capacity should be at 70GW by 2040.

However, pressure on the current transmission system could keep developers waiting for 10 years.

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If the 2040 target is to be met, the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV) says 19,000 acres will be needed to host the required infrastructure.

Land requirements

It calculates that 1.2 acres would be needed for each MW of 4.3GW of wind energy required to scale up to meet targets, covering 5,000 acres; that calculation is just the land required to site turbines, foundations, transformers, tracks and other associated equipment, it says, not the area enclosed by a wind farm, it says.

For solar photovoltaics (PV), at 3.5 acres for each MW, the additional 3.9GW of solar needed would have a requirement for nearly 14,000 acres.

However, CAAV points out that this is a conservative estimate as if the figures included in the Energy Security Strategy are to be met, there would need to be a five-fold increase in solar PV by 2035 and a requirement for another 200,000 acres. 

The professional body for agricultural and rural valuers gave evidence at the recent House of Commons Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Committee inquiry.

Significant gap

CAAV secretary and adviser Jeremy Moody says there is a significant gap between the existing rate of installation for renewables and the rate implied in the Energy Security Strategy.

He suggests that, to reach targets, an overhaul of development consent, economic regulation and fiscal conditions is needed.

“The current balance between food security, renewable electricity generation at least economic cost, carbon sequestration, making space for nature and preserving the landscape cannot be maintained,’’ he insists.

10-year wait

He says with a backlog of existing connections, developers are being told there could be a 10-year wait for their developments because of pressure on the transmission and distribution system.

Electric vehicles and heat pumps will add to the pressure on rural power lines, Mr Moody adds.

“CAAV members report that getting a grid connection for generation projects is difficult and recommend landowners start work on a grid authorisation early so that they can get a place in the queue,’’ he says.