Source · Select Committees · Energy Security and Net Zero Committee
Recommendation 20
20
Acknowledged
Strategic energy plans offer valuable early opportunities for public infrastructure understanding.
Conclusion
The Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (SSEP), the Centralised Strategic Network Plan (CSNP) and the Land Use Framework (LUF) are valuable opportunities to build greater public understanding of the need for energy infrastructure and the trade-offs involved in choosing between different options and locations, at an early stage of the development process. (Conclusion, Paragraph 60)
Government Response Summary
The government agrees that a comprehensive engagement strategy is critical for the effective development and public acceptance of strategic energy plans. It notes that NESO is already undertaking extensive engagement ahead of the public consultation in 2026 and references existing commitments and future legislation.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
NESO is undertaking extensive engagement on the SSEP which is already underway, ahead of the public consultation which will be published in 2026. NESO is conducting societal engagement through various means including focus groups and questionnaires. We are committed to a planning process that effectively balances national infrastructure needs with local community interests. The amendments to the NPSs reinforce this commitment. The government agrees that a comprehensive engagement strategy is critical for the effective development and public acceptance of strategic energy plans. The government published the National Infrastructure Commission’s (NIC) report ‘Anticipate, engage, deliver: Local consent and the energy transition’ on 25 October 2025 which made recommendations to government, regulators, and industry on how to improve community engagement. The government will formally respond to the NIC’s recommendations in Spring 2026. However, the government has already committed to ensuring community benefit in its Clean Power 2030 Action Plan which sets out plans to maximise the benefits to communities from energy projects. In addition, the Planning and Infrastructure Bill will strengthen developer engagement with communities and local authorities, enabling the government to set requirements around consultation, engagement, and effective dispute resolution for nationally significant infrastructure projects.