Source · Select Committees · Energy Security and Net Zero Committee
Recommendation 39
39
Acknowledged
Weak guidance on onshore wind on deep peat undermines net zero and peatland protection.
Conclusion
Building renewable energy infrastructure on peatland is counterproductive to the achievement of net zero if this results in the release of accumulated carbon stores into the atmosphere. Given this context, and the Climate Change Committee’s recommendations for peatland restoration in the Seventh Carbon Budget, it is surprising that the Government’s proposed new guidance for onshore wind in EN-3 does not contain a presumption against building on deep peat, though we recognise that there are areas in which such development would be unavoidable. The weakness in the guidance also appears to undermine efforts of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to protect peatland. (Conclusion, Paragraph 95) 57
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges concerns about building wind farms on peatland but asserts that its draft guidance for onshore wind already includes specific protective provisions for peat, and existing planning system protections provide a balanced approach.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Government understands concerns that building windfarms on peatland could have a detrimental impact on our natural environment and lead to increased carbon emissions. Government recognises that our peatlands are vital habitats for biodiversity, carbon, and water; that peatlands are sensitive habitats that are important for many species of flora and fauna; and that peat soils are rich in carbon and disturbance can lead to climate impacts. The draft guidance outlines specific protective provisions for peat, demonstrating the government’s commitment to protecting peatlands. There are also wider protections set out in EN-1 regarding irreplaceable habitats such as blanket bog and lowland fens. The government believes that to enable nature’s recovery, while not impeding government commitments to Net Zero and clean power by 2030, we must take a balanced approach to onshore wind development and peatland protection. We believe protections within the planning system and best practice guidance should be used to carefully consider onshore wind development on peatland.