The UK government has unveiled plans to give ministers the final say on approving large onshore wind farms, as part of an ambitious action plan to reach 95% clean energy by 2030.
Miliband Unveils New Powers to Approve Large Wind Farms
The government has unveiled plans to give ministers the final say on approving large onshore wind farms, rather than leaving decisions to local councils. This proposal is part of an “ambitious” action plan for reaching 95% clean energy in the UK by 2030.
A Shift in Planning Regulations
Under the proposed changes, projects over 100MW would be brought back into the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) regime in England, giving the government greater control over the approval process. This move is expected to simplify the planning process and reduce delays, which have been a major obstacle for onshore wind farm developers.
A Focus on Renewable Energy
The 136-page action plan will also include measures to accelerate renewable energy production, such as prioritising projects that can connect quickly to the grid and incentivising private investment. The government aims to move away from a “first-come first-served” approval process for the grid, instead prioritizing those likely to be most useful.
Industry Support and Concerns
The industry has broadly welcomed the plans, with Lucy Yu, CEO of think tank Centre for Net Zero, saying that the government is taking bold steps towards clean energy. However, Conservative Shadow Secretary of State for Energy Security Claire Coutinho expressed concerns that the reforms would push up electricity prices and cause hardship for people across Britain.
A Compromise Between Climate Goals and Public Concerns
The government maintains that any project will need to have “direct community benefits” and proposes to establish a recovery fund to invest in nature projects as compensation for any environmental damage. While there are concerns about the impact on local communities, the government is also committed to ensuring that clean power delivery has their interests at heart.
A Key Step Towards a Low-Carbon Future
The introduction of these new powers marks an important step towards achieving the UK’s climate targets. With the government aiming to reach 95% clean energy by 2030, onshore wind farms will play a crucial role in this transition.
