Source · Select Committees · Welsh Affairs Committee
Recommendation 16
16
Accepted in Part
We are encouraged to see the new Electricity Networks Commissioner appointed with a remit to...
Recommendation
We are encouraged to see the new Electricity Networks Commissioner appointed with a remit to reduce timelines and look forward to understanding in more detail how this will be achieved. However, it is not clear that the UK Government appreciates that a step change is necessary to deliver a streamlined planning and consent process that enables the achievement of net zero targets. We call on the UK Government to produce a projected timeline for how it will reduce processing times by fifty per cent within a year. (Paragraph 90) Grid capacity in Wales 39
Government Response Summary
The government recognises the need for a step change and outlines actions from the Electricity Networks Strategic Framework (ENSF) and BESS to cut timescales. They mention amending National Policy Statements and a National Infrastructure Planning Reform Programme but do not commit to a projected timeline for reducing processing times by 50% within a year.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
The Government recognises that a step change is needed in the planning and consenting process to achieve net zero goals and has set out actions in the Electricity Networks Strategic Framework (ENSF) on cutting timescales through streamlining the planning consent process and removing barriers to infrastructure built in relation to land rights consent. In the BESS, we committed to accelerate network infrastructure to enable delivery of our 50GW offshore wind target by 2050. As part of this, the Government is amending the energy National Policy Statements (NPSs) to ensure that they reflect the strategic importance of network planning and support the needs case for infrastructure; revised NPSs will be produced and published soon. Furthermore, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities is leading a National Infrastructure Planning Reform Programme which will identify what the Government, its arm-length bodies, and other statutory bodies can collectively do to improve the performance of the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) planning process to accelerate development consent, as well as to support Local Authorities. The Government intends to publish a full NSIP Reform Action Plan, as well as consultations on further regulatory and guidance changes to improve the operation of the system, in due course. In parallel to the planning acceleration processes set out above, the Government will continue to work with Ofgem to expedite the regulatory approvals process and exempt key infrastructure from the immediate introduction of competition, where this could delay delivery. The Government is aware that this is a complex, multi-faceted piece of work