Prince of Wales Explores Renewable Energy Projects on Duchy of Cornwall Estate
The Prince of Wales is actively exploring opportunities to develop renewable energy and storage projects across the expansive Duchy of Cornwall estate. This initiative could transform over 52,000 hectares of private land, predominantly located in the southwest of England, into hubs for solar, onshore wind, and other renewable energy infrastructures as part of the estate’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2032.
A Kensington Palace spokesperson shared with reNEWS: “Achieving a balance between financial results, protecting the natural environment, and supporting our communities has always been at the heart of the Duchy. We continue to investigate opportunities for the generation and storage of renewable energy across the estate.”
According to a report in The Observer, the Prince of Wales, who serves as the steward of the duchy in his role as the 25th Duke of Cornwall, has commissioned a comprehensive review of renewable energy options on the estate. This review includes potential for large-scale solar farms, geothermal projects, and onshore wind turbines. The findings of this study are expected to be reviewed by the Prince later this year, with officials eager to explore support for wind turbines—a notable shift from King Charles’ earlier stance against onshore wind during his tenure as Prince of Wales and Duke of Cornwall.
Despite the potential for significant renewable energy developments, it is unlikely that the entire duchy land will be opened to developers. Any new proposals will need to carefully consider landscape and visual impacts due to the estate’s location in some of the most picturesque parts of the southwest.
Alastair Martin, Secretary and Keeper of the Records at the Duchy of Cornwall, emphasized at a recent press briefing: “The issue with the Duchy of Cornwall estate is that it happens to be in some of the most beautiful parts of the southwest of England particularly, and there are always aesthetic considerations. And I’m sure those are not going to go away because we’ve got a new Duke.”
This proactive move by the Prince of Wales underscores a strong commitment to sustainability and the future of renewable energy, balancing ecological integrity with community support and financial viability.
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