Source · Select Committees · Energy Security and Net Zero Committee
Recommendation 40
40
Rejected
Amend onshore wind guidance (EN-3) to presume against deep peat development and require carbon reporting.
Recommendation
The Government should amend the proposed new guidance on onshore wind in EN-3 to: • whilst recognising there are areas in which development on peat would be unavoidable, introduce a presumption against building onshore wind developments on deep peat; and • require the downstream carbon emissions from building onshore wind on peatland to be reported in any environmental statement for this kind of development. (Recommendation, Paragraph 96)
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges concerns about building wind farms on peatland but does not commit to amending the guidance to introduce a presumption against building on deep peat or requiring carbon emission reporting, stating that current protections within the planning system are sufficient.
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government
Rejected
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 The draft guidance outlines specific protective provisions for peat, demonstrating the government’s commitment to protecting peatlands.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.