In amendments to the Energy Bill the Government has set out the grace period criteria, which it claims should provide some certainty for investors. It estimates that around 2.9GW of onshore wind capacity will be eligible for the grace periods.

The projects that are eligible for the grace period will need to demonstrate either that they had planning consent as at 18 June; that they have successfully appealed a planning refusal made on or before 18 June; or that they have successfully appealed after not receiving a planning decision due by 18 June. They will also need to show that they had a grid connection and land rights in place.

Projects that have met all these criteria and can demonstrate that they have struggled to secure finance from lenders since 18 June will be allowed extra time but no longer than nine months.

In total, the Government claims the amount of onshore wind capacity that could be deployed by 2020 is still 12.3GW to ensure the nation meets its renewable energy commitments.

Energy Minister Lord Bourne said: “We have a long-term plan to keep the lights on and our homes warm, power the economy with cleaner energy, and keep bills as low as possible for hard-working families and businesses.

“To do this we will help technologies stand on their own two feet, not encourage a reliance on public subsidies. By bringing forward these amendments we are protecting bill payers whilst meeting our renewable energy commitments.”