New Planning and Infrastructure Bill Released by Government

Hello, Champions of Net Zero!

In a bold move towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future, the UK Government has unveiled plans to streamline the approval process for clean energy projects through its upcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to achieving clean power by 2030, aiming to catalyse investment of up to £200 billion in new transmission infrastructure.

The Bill is designed to prioritise the development of vital energy infrastructure, thereby accelerating the rollout of projects that will not only enhance the UK’s energy security but also stimulate economic growth and job creation. At the heart of this legislation is the intention to replace the cumbersome street works licences currently required for the installation of electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints. By transitioning to a more efficient permit system, the Government seeks to facilitate the widespread adoption of EVs while ensuring that public roadways remain accessible and functional.

As it stands, many renewable energy projects—including solar farms and new manufacturing facilities—are languishing in a lengthy queue due to a ‘first come, first served’ connection process. Some developers have reported waiting up to a decade for grid connections. This Bill aims to alleviate such bottlenecks by prioritising projects that are ready to be implemented, thereby clearing the way for a more efficient energy transition.

The Government’s strategy includes fast-tracking decisions on a range of energy sources, including onshore and offshore wind, solar power, hydrogen production, carbon capture technologies, and nuclear power stations. This accelerated approach is expected to create thousands of new jobs, inject billions into the UK economy, and significantly increase the availability of clean energy for all.

To support these ambitious goals, new measures will be introduced to streamline the approval process. This includes making the consultation phase “less burdensome” while providing clearer guidance to expert bodies and local authorities involved in the planning process. Furthermore, National Policy Statements will be updated every five years to ensure that they align with the Government’s evolving infrastructure priorities.

This legislative push aims to ensure that planning decisions for at least 150 major infrastructure projects—including wind, solar, and hydrogen initiatives—are made during this parliamentary session. This commitment underscores the Government’s determination to expedite the transition to a greener energy landscape.

Among the additional measures in the Bill, which is expected to be introduced in Parliament this week, are several noteworthy initiatives:

• Residents living within 500 metres of new pylons will benefit from discounts of up to £2,500 on their electricity bills, helping to alleviate the financial impact of energy infrastructure projects.
• The energy regulator Ofgem will implement a ‘cap and floor’ scheme designed to unlock investment in long-duration energy storage (LDES) solutions, which are essential for storing renewable energy efficiently.
• Changes to planning regulations for new electricity infrastructure in Scotland will reduce delays while ensuring that local communities have a say in developments that affect them.
• The generator commissioning period (GCC) will be extended from 18 to 27 months, decreasing the number of offshore wind farms that need exemptions when applying for licences to connect to onshore networks.
• Revisions to legal frameworks will be made to prevent attempts to obstruct major infrastructure projects through the courts.

Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner expressed her commitment to reforming the planning system, stating: “Time and again, blockers have been allowed to halt progress at every turn, which has weakened our energy security and left our country exposed to soaring energy bills for working people, families, and businesses. This cannot and will not continue under my watch.”

She continued, “Through our landmark Planning and Infrastructure Bill, we’re taking bold action to fix the broken planning system, paving the way for us to get Britain building more vital infrastructure so our children and grandchildren can grow up in a more energy secure world.”

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband further emphasised the urgency of transitioning away from fossil fuel dependence, commenting: “The only way to get Britain off dependency on fossil fuel markets controlled by dictators is with clean homegrown power that we control.”

Miliband highlighted the importance of addressing the inefficiencies of the current planning system, stating, “By taking on a broken planning system that puts the brakes on growth, this Government is driving forward with our clean energy superpower mission and Plan for change. Every turbine, every solar panel, every cable we connect helps protect families and paves the way for a new era of clean energy for our country.”

In response to the Bill, Trevor Hutchings, Chief Executive of the Renewable Energy Association (REA), praised the Government’s efforts to transition to a renewable energy system. He stated, “Moving to a renewable energy system strengthens our national security, supports jobs and economic growth, and helps head off disastrous climate change. But we must bring the public with us, and therefore I welcome the Government’s proposal to introduce energy bill discounts for those living near new energy infrastructure.”

Hutchings added, “This and other measures in the new Planning and Infrastructure Bill—including new powers to enable long-duration energy storage—will help us achieve a clean energy system and unleash the net zero dividend for all consumers.”

As the UK moves forward with these ambitious plans, the focus will remain on ensuring that the transition to renewable energy is not only swift but also equitable, with benefits reaching all corners of society. The upcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill represents a significant step towards a sustainable energy future, aligning with the national goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

With the right policies in place, the UK stands to emerge as a global leader in clean energy, setting an example for other nations to follow. As we embark on this journey, it is crucial for all stakeholders—government entities, businesses, and communities—to collaborate and innovate, ensuring that the transition to a greener economy is both effective and inclusive.

Stay tuned for further developments as the Planning and Infrastructure Bill progresses through Parliament, and join us in championing the cause of net zero for a sustainable future.