Source · Select Committees · Energy Security and Net Zero Committee
Recommendation 1
1
Accepted
Developer-led low-carbon generation approach lacks assurance without coordinated support and guidance.
Conclusion
We welcome the introduction of a framework that gives a strong presumption of consent for low-carbon generation and accommodates a broader range of nuclear technologies. However, confidence in a developer- led approach is not yet assured and will only come if DESNZ, GBE-N, and the Planning Inspectorate can collectively provide DCO applicants with the support and guidance they will need to carry out proportionate assessments against the criteria. Without this, there is a risk that the flexibility promised by EN-7 will translate into uncertainty and delay. (Conclusion, Paragraph 16)
Government Response Summary
The government will publish supplementary information to EN-7 shortly, which will provide additional contact details for statutory consultees and estimates of potential costs and timings, and will continue to update it as necessary.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
Government welcomes the Committees conclusion that EN-7 will accommodate a broader range of nuclear technologies and provides a clear signal that nuclear, alongside other low-carbon generating technologies, is considered a Critical National Priority. We remain committed to ensuring that industry have the support and guidance they need to develop and deploy new nuclear projects under the EN-7 framework. The draft EN-7 already details how the applicant should approach each criterion and which statutory consultees they should engage with. We are also in the process of developing supplementary information to EN-7 which aims to provide additional contact details for the statutory consultees, and where possible an estimate of potential costs and timings. We will publish the supplementary information shortly and will continue to update it as necessary. The role of the state