2nd Report - Gridlock or growth? Avoiding energy planning chaos

The government states there is already strong interaction between connection and development consent processes, detailing existing policies like reordering connection queues and prioritising projects with advanced planning to ensure coordination.

The government states that existing guidance in NPS EN-1 already addresses grid connection considerations, requiring the Secretary of State to be satisfied that appropriate network arrangements are or will be in place for a project.

The government accepts the recommendation, stating that endorsement of the CSNP, SSEP, and ETDP in the NPSs will only become official after plans are finalised, undergo public consultation, environmental assessments, and publication.

The government states NESO is already undertaking extensive engagement, including focus groups and questionnaires, ahead of its public consultation in 2026. It agrees a comprehensive strategy is critical and commits to a planning process that balances national needs with local interests, while also noting upcoming responses to NIC recommendations and the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.

The government has amended EN-1, paragraph 4.2.24, to clarify that the policy does not solely aim to maximise generation capacity and that small reductions are appropriate if they achieve significant environmental benefits.

The government states that existing National Policy Statements (NPSs), particularly EN-1 and EN-3, already encourage sustainable development, biodiversity net gain, and explicitly recognise solar farms' potential to enhance biodiversity.

The government states that existing National Policy Statements (NPSs) already protect irreplaceable habitats like peat and saltmarsh, require applicants to avoid impacts as the first stage of mitigation, and guide them to seek other locations before siting developments on peatland.

The government confirms that the SSEP, MSPri, and OWEIP policies will be fully included, as appropriate, in future updates to the National Policy Statements to help achieve a coordinated approach and reduce costs and delays.

The government explained that the 100MW threshold for onshore wind NSIPs was set following a legislative process, public consultation, and the publication of a full impact assessment. They justified the threshold by arguing that a lower threshold could lead to inefficient land and grid use, referencing issues seen with solar developments.

The government acknowledges concerns about the clarity of guidance on inter-array wake effects and has revised the relevant paragraph to state: "Applicants should demonstrate they have made reasonable endeavours to mitigate the impact of wake effects on other offshore wind generating stations."

The government has added a reference to the SSEP in the NPS to ensure it's accorded weight and clarified how SSEP and CSNP will interact. Further information will be published in early 2026.

The government welcomed the endorsement of the CSNP in National Policy Statements and committed to publishing the detailed CSNP methodology by early 2026, which will define strategic parameters. They also plan amendments to the NPS to ensure CSNP endorsement requires completed public consultation and environmental assessments.

The government has consulted on reforms for electricity network infrastructure, including proposals to amend NSIP thresholds for distribution projects, and will respond and legislate accordingly in due course.

The government states NESO’s CSNP process will be transparent, inclusive, and subject to public consultation, and is introducing a Planning and Infrastructure Bill amendment to improve community engagement for NSIPs, supported by new statutory guidance.

The government states that NESO is already undertaking extensive societal engagement on the SSEP, including focus groups and questionnaires, well ahead of the public consultation in 2026.

The government has amended the wording in EN-1, paragraph 4.2.24, replacing "material reduction" with "significant reduction" and clarifying that small reductions in generation capacity can be appropriate for significant mitigation benefits.

The government has amended EN-1, paragraph 4.2.24, to clarify that the policy's focus is not solely on maximising generation capacity and allows for small reductions in capacity when mitigation measures have significant environmental benefits.

The government welcomed the strategic approach to energy infrastructure planning, echoing the committee's sentiment and confirming that existing frameworks and guidance, such as the Environment Act 2021 and the Environmental Improvement Plan, already promote the integration of climate and biodiversity goals and habitat protection in planning applications.

The government states it has developed the Marine Spatial Prioritisation (MSPri) Programme to strategically consider seabed use and inform future offshore wind area identification while avoiding sensitive areas, and the SSEP will also serve as a marine spatial planning tool.

Defra clarifies the initial objectives of the Marine Spatial Prioritisation (MSPri) Programme as optimising sea use, maximising colocation, and prioritisation, and outlines the program's evolution and next phase, including stakeholder engagement in summer 2025.

The government details multiple initiatives like the MSPri, SSEP, and the Offshore Wind Environmental Improvement Package (OWEIP), which introduces strategic reforms, a Marine Recovery Fund, and new environmental standards, to achieve a coordinated approach to offshore wind deployment and environmental protection.

The government stated that the National Policy Statement (NPS) already discourages the use of Best and Most Versatile (BMV) agricultural land unless there's an overriding need, and they have added a reference to Natural England's detailed guidance on Agricultural Land Classification in the NPS for greater clarity. The Solar Roadmap also reaffirms commitment to protecting best agricultural land.