Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 16
16
Deferred
Paragraph: 89
Delays in grid connections for renewable projects impede energy security and investor confidence.
Conclusion
Delivery of renewable energy projects at pace, and securing their connection to the transmission network, is essential to achieving the generation capacity required under the Government’s strategy for energy security. The connection of generation capacity to the grid is being held up by delays to the ‘critical path’ of grid readiness. Delays in project connections are unlikely to improve the confidence of investors in electrification projects. While the connection reforms brought in by Ofgem and the commencement of implementation of the Connection Action Plan measures are welcome, further work is likely to be required to reduce the time taken to connect generation projects to the transmission grid.
Government Response Summary
The government's response addresses proposals to increase planning fees and support for local planning authorities, funded by the stamp duty surcharge, rather than directly detailing further work to reduce grid connection delays for renewable energy projects.
Paragraph Reference:
89
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
As part of the consultation on changes to the National Planning Policy Framework, which closed on 24 September, we consulted on proposals to increase planning fees for householder applications and other applications. The consultation also sought views on a proposal for local planning authorities to set their own fees to cover their costs. We have a dedicated Planning Capacity and Capability to support local planning authorities. The Government is currently reviewing how best to deploy additional support made available as a result of our plans to increase the rate of the stamp duty surcharge paid by non-UK residents.