The UK government is set to revolutionise its approach to clean energy infrastructure with the imminent introduction of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. This landmark legislation promises to fast-track dozens of clean energy projects, including wind and solar power, by overhauling the grid connection process. The current ‘first come, first served’ system, which has led to lengthy waits of up to ten years for viable projects, will be replaced by a ‘first ready, first connected’ approach. This shift is designed to prioritise projects that are genuinely ready to go, rather than those that are merely speculative. The new system aims to unlock £200bn of investment, protect households from volatile fossil fuel markets, and bolster the UK’s energy security.
The Bill will streamline the delivery process for critical infrastructure, including onshore and offshore wind, solar power, electricity grids, hydrogen, carbon capture, and nuclear power stations. By fast-tracking decisions for these projects, the government aims to create thousands of new jobs, add billions to the UK economy, and deliver more clean energy to power homes and businesses. Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner emphasised the urgency of these changes, 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.”
The proposed reforms will speed up the approval process for nationally significant infrastructure projects. This will be achieved by making consultations less burdensome, strengthening guidance to expert bodies and local authorities, and updating National Policy Statements every five years to align with government priorities. The government has pledged to make planning decisions on at least 150 major clean energy projects in this Parliament, almost tripling the number of decisions made in the previous Parliament.
One of the key measures in the Bill is the introduction of electricity bill discounts for people living within 500 metres of new pylons. These discounts, which could amount to up to £2,500 over ten years, are designed to ensure that communities hosting critical grid infrastructure benefit from the transition to clean power. Additionally, the government will instruct Ofgem to deliver a ‘cap and floor’ scheme to unlock billions of pounds of investment in long-duration electricity storage (LDES). This will enable the storage of renewable power and deliver the first major projects in this area in four decades.
The Bill also includes reforms to accelerate the rollout of electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints by replacing street works licences with permits. This change aims to make it easier, cheaper, and faster to install EV chargepoints on public roads and streets. Furthermore, the legislation will address outdated planning rules for new clean electricity infrastructure in Scotland, reducing delays and ensuring local voices are heard in applications.
The extension of the generator commissioning period (GCC) from 18 to 27 months is another significant reform. This change will reduce the number of offshore wind farms requiring exemptions when applying for licences to connect to onshore cables and substations. The government has already agreed on ten major clean energy projects, including six solar farms, amounting to nearly 3GW of new clean energy for the country.
These reforms are set to reshape the UK’s energy landscape, fostering a more prosperous and energy-secure future. By prioritising clean energy projects and streamlining the planning process, the government aims to create a more resilient energy system that can withstand the volatility of fossil fuel markets. The Bill’s focus on accelerating the rollout of EV chargepoints and investing in long-duration electricity storage further underscores the government’s commitment to a sustainable energy future.
The introduction of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill marks a pivotal moment in the UK’s energy transition. By addressing long-standing barriers to growth and prioritising clean energy projects, the government is paving the way for a new era of clean electricity. This shift is not only about meeting climate goals but also about enhancing energy security, creating jobs, and driving economic growth. The reforms are poised to spark a surge in energy security, benefiting households, businesses, and the environment alike. The government’s bold action to fix the broken planning system will undoubtedly shape the development of the energy sector, fostering a more sustainable and resilient future for all.
