Clean energy report calls for planning system reforms

A new report sets out practical steps to enable the swift roll-out of renewable energy while safeguarding landscapes and giving local communities a voice. The report has been issued jointly by CPRE, the Aldersgate Group, and RenewableUK.

For the UK to reach ambitious 2030 clean power and 2050 net zero targets, changes to the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPS) planning process will be essential. The NSIP process is the planning framework that covers large scale infrastructure projects.

This report outlines a series of urgent recommendations that will speed up this process whilst keeping the focus on environmental protection and community involvement.

A joined-up strategy is vital. Rather than think about land use in boxes, we must see energy infrastructure needs as part of a bigger picture. Farming, housing, climate solutions and nature recovery are all part of this picture.

Key takeaways from the report

A new approach: Public campaign and strategic planning

We want to see a government-led public campaign highlighting the wide-ranging benefits of clean energy. To win support for renewable energy projects and grid infrastructure, it’s essential to explain the positives.

The Strategic Spatial Energy Plan

The report recommends a Strategic Spatial Energy Plan to tackle planning challenges early and increase the focus on environmental protection. Opportunities to integrate environment and energy policy should be harnessed and incentivised.

Putting communities at the heart of clean energy planning

Local residents need to be involved from the start, with their concerns listened to and addressed.

Improving efficiency

The Plan should also include more support and funding for local planning teams and statutory consultees so they can make quick, informed decisions.

This should be backed up by greater digitalisation plus the use of technology to speed up tasks such as environmental impact assessments.

Read the report