Wind Energy and the Staffordshire Moorlands
The Staffordshire Moorlands is known for its windswept uplands, from the gritstone edges of the Roaches to the open moors around Morridge. It is no surprise that wind energy is a topic of local interest. However, the district's proximity to the Peak District National Park and its treasured landscapes mean that large commercial wind farms are rarely built here. Instead, the Moorlands benefits from wind power generated elsewhere in the UK and fed into the national grid, along with small-scale turbines on some farms.
Wind is now one of the largest sources of electricity in Great Britain. Choosing a supplier that invests in wind, or supporting community wind projects, allows Moorlands households and businesses to participate in this transition. Here are ten wind energy companies shaping the industry.
The Top 10 Wind Energy Companies
1. Ørsted
Ørsted is the world's leading developer of offshore wind and has built some of the largest wind farms in UK waters. Its projects generate enormous quantities of clean electricity that flows through the national grid to homes and businesses in Staffordshire and beyond.
2. RWE
RWE operates a large portfolio of offshore and onshore wind farms in the UK. It is investing heavily in new capacity and is among the country's biggest renewable generators, helping to secure a reliable, low-carbon electricity supply.
3. SSE Renewables
SSE Renewables develops and operates wind farms across Britain and Ireland, including some of the world's largest offshore projects. Its expertise spans development, construction and long-term operation of renewable assets.
4. ScottishPower Renewables
ScottishPower has committed to generating only green electricity, with a major portfolio of onshore and offshore wind. Its customers across the UK, including the Moorlands, can choose tariffs backed by its wind generation.
5. Vattenfall
Vattenfall operates wind farms in the UK and across Europe, and is a significant investor in new offshore and onshore capacity. It also works with local communities near its projects through community benefit funds.
6. EDF Power Solutions
EDF's renewables business develops and operates onshore and offshore wind, solar and storage projects in the UK. It complements EDF's role as a major energy supplier and supports the country's clean energy targets.
7. Octopus Energy
Octopus Energy has invested in wind farms through its generation arm and has pioneered tariffs that give households near turbines cheaper electricity when the wind blows. Its innovative approach is helping to build public support for onshore wind.
8. Ecotricity
Ecotricity built some of the UK's first commercial wind turbines and continues to own and operate its own wind parks. Customers who choose Ecotricity are supporting a company with a long-standing commitment to new renewable generation.
9. Vestas
Vestas is one of the world's largest wind turbine manufacturers. Its turbines are installed across UK onshore and offshore sites, and it provides long-term servicing to keep them performing efficiently.
10. Siemens Gamesa
Siemens Gamesa manufactures turbines for offshore and onshore wind, including blades produced in the UK. Its technology powers many of the country's largest wind farms and supports skilled manufacturing jobs in Britain.
Small-Scale Wind in the Moorlands
For some farms and rural properties with exposed, open land, a small wind turbine can supplement solar generation, particularly in winter when wind speeds are higher and solar output is lower. Careful site assessment is essential, as turbulence from buildings and trees reduces performance. Planning permission is usually required, and landscape impact is carefully considered in the Moorlands. Certified installers can carry out wind speed assessments and advise on suitability.
Community Wind Energy
Community-owned wind projects allow local people to invest in renewable generation and share in its returns. While opportunities within the Moorlands itself may be limited, residents can invest in community energy cooperatives elsewhere in the UK. Some suppliers also offer schemes that link households to specific wind farms, providing a tangible connection to clean energy production.
How Moorlands Residents Can Support Wind Power
The simplest way is to choose an energy tariff backed by wind and other renewable sources. Look for suppliers that own or directly contract with generators rather than relying solely on certificates. Smart meters and time-of-use tariffs let households shift usage to windy periods when electricity is cleaner and often cheaper. Businesses can sign power purchase agreements linked to specific renewable projects.
Wind Energy Trends
Offshore wind capacity continues to expand rapidly, with floating turbines opening up deeper waters. Government policy has become more supportive of onshore wind in England, although local consent and landscape considerations remain important, especially in protected areas. Grid upgrades and battery storage are helping to manage the variability of wind. The industry is also creating skilled jobs in manufacturing, engineering and maintenance across the UK.
Final Thoughts
Although large turbines are rarely seen on the Moorlands skyline, wind energy already powers a significant share of the electricity used across the district. The companies above are driving the growth of wind power in Britain. Choose suppliers that genuinely invest in renewable generation and confirm current tariffs and projects directly with each company.
Want your brand featured in front of decision-makers? Publish a guest post or get a link insertion in our guides through AAMAX's guest post and link insertion service.
Helpful Links
Write for Us
Share your expertise with our readers. We welcome guest contributions from industry specialists.
Pitch your idea


