Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 18
18
Deferred
Paragraph: 91
Actively monitor grid connection reforms and advance demonstrably ready projects to the front of the queue.
Recommendation
We recommend that the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and Ofgem actively monitor the progress of connection reform initiatives and the delivery of the transmission capacity required to facilitate new grid connections, and, where appropriate, streamline the measures already introduced. In particular, we recommend that Ofgem review its milestone queue reforms with a view to advancing projects which are demonstrably ready to connect to the grid to the front of the queue.
Government Response Summary
The government's response focuses on accelerating infrastructure delivery through a new Bill and promoting renewable energy via changes to the National Planning Policy Framework, but does not specifically address monitoring existing connection reform initiatives or Ofgem reviewing its milestone queue reforms to advance ready projects.
Paragraph Reference:
91
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
Government agrees with the importance of supporting the delivery of new renewables infrastructure. Therefore, through the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, the Government will accelerate infrastructure delivery by streamlining the delivery process for critical infrastructure including accelerating upgrades to the electricity grid and boosting renewable energy, which will benefit local communities, unlock delivery of our 2030 clean power mission and net zero obligations, and secure domestic energy security. The National Planning Policy Framework makes clear that local planning authorities should have a positive strategy in place to promote energy from renewable and low carbon sources. As part of plans to triple solar power and reintroduce onshore wind, we are consulting on extra measures in the National Planning Policy Framework that highlight the importance of renewable energy generation to our clean energy ambitions. We have also consulted on revising planning policy to increase the threshold for larger solar projects in the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects Regime. Government has recently confirmed that new homes and buildings will, where appropriate, play an important role in the drive for solar, delivering cleaner energy and lower bills to millions of households and businesses. Future standards next year will set our new homes and buildings on a path that moves away from relying on volatile fossil fuels and ensures they are fit for a net zero future. Government has also consulted on extra measures in the National Planning Policy Framework, which governs the planning applications of smaller projects, which highlight the importance of solar power to our clean energy ambitions.