Why UXO Risk Matters in the UK’s Renewable Energy Future
The UK’s shift towards a greener energy system is accelerating. With government targets driving major investment in wind, solar, and other low-carbon technologies, the future of energy is cleaner, but not without its challenges.
One often-overlooked risk is unexploded ordnance (UXO). Whether it’s a wartime bomb buried beneath a brownfield site or discarded munitions under greenfield land, UXO can threaten safety, delay construction, and increase costs. As renewable energy developments expand into new locations, understanding and managing UXO risks has never been more important.
The Legacy of Conflict Meets the Future of Energy
UXO contamination in the UK is more widespread than many realise. While thousands of bombs were dropped on cities during WWII (about 10% of which failed to detonate), rural farmland, coastal areas, and former military sites were also affected by live-fire training, weapons testing, and defence preparations across both world wars and the Cold War.
These same areas are now being targeted for renewable development, including:
- Greenfield land that once hosted airfields or training grounds
- Brownfield sites with past links to weapons manufacturing
- Coastal zones used for defence or munitions disposal
- Remote areas used by the Home Guard or as decoy sites
Many offer planning or logistical benefits – but may also carry elevated UXO risks. Without proper due diligence, this risk can lead to project delays, unexpected costs, and, in rare cases, serious harm.
Onshore Wind Farms and UXO Risks
Onshore wind is central to the UK’s net zero strategy, making use of remote and open landscapes, but these same areas were often repurposed for military use in the 20th century, leaving behind a legacy of buried ordnance.
Wind projects are especially vulnerable during:
- Turbine foundation works and associated ground intrusions
- Trenching for cables across long distances
- Access road and supporting infrastructure construction
Early UXO risk assessments help ensure that construction can proceed safely and on schedule.
Identifying potential hazards before work begins reduces the likelihood of disruption and protects workers on site.
Solar Projects: Shallow Works, Hidden Risks
Solar farms often involve minimal ground disturbance, but that doesn’t eliminate UXO risk. In fact, many rural sites in southern and eastern England saw heavy bombing during WWII, especially around transport hubs and coastal areas.
At one solar development in Kent, Brimstone UXO uncovered multiple ordnance items at just 1 metre depth. The site’s history included a WWII decoy installation, nearby bomb strikes, and Allied fortifications. There was no indication of UXO risk visible on the surface of the farmland which had been worked for years.
With solar projects operating on tight budgets and timelines, any unplanned interruption due to UXO can have serious financial consequences. Even shallow groundwork, like pile driving or cable trenching, can disturb potentially deadly items of ordnance.
Land Diversification and Brownfield Redevelopment
Renewable energy projects are increasingly being located on brownfield land or former military sites to take advantage of grid access and avoid green belt constraints. These sites are being used for:
- Battery storage
- Hydrogen production
- Bioenergy plants
- Solar and wind hybrid developments
However, past military use, including storage, demolition, or direct bombing, can leave long-lasting hazards. Incomplete clearance or missing records mean UXO can remain decades later. For developers and landowners seeking to diversify, UXO should be part of early-stage planning to avoid disruption later.
The Importance of Proactive Risk Management
The good news is that UXO doesn’t have to derail renewable energy projects. With the right steps at the right time, risks can be identified and managed safely.
Brimstone UXO begins with a desktop risk assessment, using bombing maps, historical records, and military archives to build a site-specific risk profile. If a risk is identified, we provide tailored mitigation strategies, such as:
- Non-intrusive or intrusive surveys
- On-site UXO support
- Ordnance identification and clearance
We work closely with developers, planners, and site managers to ensure UXO risk is reduced to ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practicable) and documented for compliance and insurance.
A Safe Transition to a Greener Future
As the UK races to meet climate targets and unlock new areas for energy development, UXO is a legacy risk that still matters. From buried bombs beneath wind farms to discarded munitions under solar parks, the past can still impact the future.
By addressing UXO risk early, developers can avoid costly delays, protect their teams, and move forward with confidence.
Planning a renewable energy project? Speak to our team today to understand your site’s UXO risk profile and how to manage it effectively.
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