Copper Cable Theft from UK Wind Farms: A Growing Threat for Renewable Energy Projects

By Green Partners Adjusting

Copper cable theft has long been a challenge for renewable energy, particularly for solar projects in southern Europe where remote, ground-mounted arrays are vulnerable to night-time raids. What is new, however, is the sharp rise in copper theft from wind farms in the UK.

Until recently, theft from wind projects was rare. Green Partners Adjusting typically saw only two or three isolated incidents over the last five years. Yet in June 2025 alone, GPA has recorded four cases across projects in Leicestershire, Essex, Cambridgeshire and West Wales. Police initiative Operation Opal, which investigates organised metal crime, now reports that at least 27 UK wind farms have been targeted since April 2025. We believe the true figure may be higher, given the slow pace of incident notifications.

This surge marks a concerning new trend for the sector, raising questions for asset management and enhanced security for project owners, insurers and the wider renewable energy industry.

Why copper theft from wind farms is on the rise

Theft of copper cabling is not new. Copper theft from solar projects has been reported for years, with thieves stripping wiring at night when panels are inactive. But the UK’s wind sector is now experiencing a step change.

Several factors explain why:

• Rising copper prices: European copper values have spiked following US tariffs, fuelling arbitrage opportunities and incentivising organised crime groups.
• Remote site locations: Onshore wind farms are often sited in rural areas, with limited on-site security or surveillance, creating opportunities for determined criminals. Unlike solar, sites are rarely entirely fenced.
• Organised activity: Recent incidents show a coordinated approach, with multiple turbines hit at once. Additionally, internal circuit breakers have been activated, showing some degree of operational know-how.
• Perceived gaps in deterrence: Wind farms may have been seen as less obvious targets until now.

The critical difference is that theft from wind projects is inherently more dangerous and more damaging. Turbines are live assets, operating at height and with complex machinery. Interference is riskier for criminals and more costly for asset owners.

(See more on the recent surge in thefts via The Guardian and BBC News.)

The short-term costs: immediate damage and downtime

When copper is stripped from a turbine, the loss is not confined to the value of the stolen cable. GPA’s renewable energy claims expertise shows that the true costs escalate rapidly:

• Access doors: Forcibly broken during entry, up to £30,000 each to replace.
• Generating equipment: Frequently damaged, replacement costs as high as £100,000.
• Specialist labour and cranes: Generating equipmentreplacement requires cranes and skilled technicians.
• Revenue loss: Turbines can be non-operational for several months, causing lost electricity sales.

Even a single incident can therefore translate into six-figure claims, with both material damage and business interruption exposures.

The long-term impact: insurance and asset management risks

Repeated copper cable theft from wind farms does more than disrupt operations in the short term. Over time, it can:

• Erode insurance terms: Frequent claims may lead insurers to tighten conditions or raise deductibles.
• Delay financing: Lenders and investors may lose confidence in project performance.
• Increase operational costs: Heavy investment in new security measures reduces margins.
• Reputation and public perception: High-profile losses may cast doubt on sector resilience.

What project owners can do to protect against copper theft

UK wind projects are, by their nature, remote with open access. Protecting assets through security measures can therefore be challenging. However, steps can still be taken:

• Strengthen site security: Reinforced turbine doors and tamper-resistant locks.
• Surveillance and monitoring: CCTV, motion sensors, patrols, and drone surveillance.
• Community engagement: Work with local communities to raise awareness.
• Intelligence sharing: Collaborate with Operation Opal, the British Metals Recycling Association, RenewableUK, and insurers.
• Design-out risk: Cable tracing or marking systems to reduce resale potential.

Conclusion: An evolving risk for UK renewables

The sudden rise in copper theft from wind farms signals a shift in criminal targeting of renewable energy infrastructure. Compared with solar projects, the risks are developing and long-term implications worrying.

As the UK accelerates deployment of onshore wind to meet net zero goals, protecting assets from organised crime will be as important as managing natural hazards. Loss adjustors, insurers, and project owners must work together to mitigate exposures, ensure resilience, and safeguard investor confidence.

At Green Partners Adjusting, we continue to monitor this trend closely, supporting clients across the renewable energy sector with loss adjusting expertise, prevention insights, and practical advice.

If your project has been affected by copper cable theft, please contact us for tailored support.