The UK government has unveiled plans to give ministers the final say on approving large onshore wind farms, shifting decision-making power away from local councils where opposition has often been intense.
Ambitious Action Plan
This initiative is part of an “ambitious” action plan announced by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, aimed at achieving 95% clean energy in the UK by 2030. In addition to this proposal, Miliband seeks to empower the energy regulator to prioritize projects waiting to connect to the National Grid.
Opposition Concerns
However, Conservative Shadow Secretary of State for Energy Security Claire Coutinho criticized the plans, arguing they would lead to higher electricity bills. The government intends to reintroduce large onshore wind projects into the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) regime in England, aligning them with other major energy infrastructure projects.
Labour’s Plans
Under Labour’s plans, the government would have the final say on approving wind farm projects larger than 100 MW, bypassing local councils. Coutinho claimed that Labour’s rush to decarbonize the electricity system by 2030 could push electricity prices higher and exacerbate financial difficulties for many households.
Energy Security
Miliband countered these concerns during a BBC Breakfast interview, emphasizing that the current reliance on gas makes consumers vulnerable to price fluctuations driven by global markets. He advocated for “homegrown clean energy that we can control.”
Potential Savings
Prior to the election, Labour predicted households could save up to £300 on energy bills due to its green initiatives. Onshore wind is recognized as one of the most cost-effective forms of clean energy; however, the sector has seen a 94% decline in projects in England since 2015.
Community Involvement
Despite local objections being a significant barrier to new projects, the public will still have the opportunity to consult on new wind farms. Nevertheless, the Secretary of State will have the authority to make the final decision based on national priorities.
Conclusion
Miliband emphasized the necessity of making difficult trade-offs to ensure the UK’s energy future. The government assures that any project will need to demonstrate “direct community benefits” and has proposed establishing a recovery fund for nature projects as compensation for potential environmental damage.
