OVO has unveiled plans for a new division dubbed OVO Renewables, with the aim of breathing new life into the UK’s first generation of onshore wind farms.
The venture is expected to channel “hundreds of millions of pounds” into modernising existing turbines – extending their working lives, boosting output and increasing the amount of cheap, home-grown power that is available to the grid.
OVO Renewables’ first phase targets around 500 MW of repowered capacity, enough to supply roughly 400,000 homes. By upgrading turbines on established sites rather than building from scratch, the company says it can sidestep much of the planning backlog that has throttled new onshore projects and help advance the Government’s 30 GW onshore wind target under the 2030 Clean Power Action Plan.
“Britain built some of the world’s first onshore wind farms, but many are now aging fast. We’re creating a huge opportunity to unlock more clean, secure energy, without the delays that come with building new sites,” said David Buttress, CEO of OVO.
“OVO Renewables has the potential to breathe new life into Britain’s green power infrastructure, delivering real benefits to customers and communities.”
Fresh polling for OVO suggests repowering enjoys broad support. While 60% of respondents backed a brand-new wind farm on undeveloped land, that rises to 81% for upgrades to existing sites and 84% when respondents learn newer machines are quieter, more efficient and require fewer turbines.
Energy Minister Michael Shanks has also welcomed the move, arguing it aligns with the drive to cut bills and bolster energy security. “This is a hugely exciting new venture from OVO, showcasing how the public and private sector are working in lock step to end our reliance on unstable global gas markets with home‑grown, clean power we control,” he noted.
“Repowering existing wind farms will be a key part of how we build a cheaper, cleaner, more secure energy system, creating jobs across the country and driving forward our mission to bring bills down for good.”
A plan built on partnerships
Subject to approvals, OVO Renewables will work with NextLife Energy, which specialises in acquiring and redeveloping mid‑life renewable projects.
“NextLife Energy is looking at generation assets differently. Acquiring mid-life projects with the potential to repower means important generation capacity is not retired from our UK network,” said Lord Smith of Kelvin, Chair of NextLife Energy.
“The launch of OVO Renewables and the partnership with NextLife Energy draws on a number of previous experiences and is an exciting opportunity for both businesses.”
OVO’s sister company Kaluza is expected to provide the digital platform underpinning the scheme, which could one day supply electricity directly to local communities surrounding each site.
If the first tranche proves successful, OVO Renewables hints at a pipeline of further investments – positioning the Bristol‑based firm as both supplier and generator at a time when the UK is racing to decarbonise its power system.
