Decisions for onshore and offshore wind, solar power, electricity grids, hydrogen, carbon capture and nuclear power stations are set to be fast-tracked through the government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill, as it bids to make planning decisions for at least 150 major infrastructure projects this Parliament.
As it stands today, so-called ‘ready-to-go’ projects face lengthy delays for a grid connection – sometimes as much as 10 years. This is resulting in uncertainty for communities and businesses. It is costing the taxpayer millions. It is also impacting the country’s energy security.
For a number of years, a ‘first come, first served’ process has been used, meaning many speculative projects have been clogging up the planning system. The government has now moved to replace this with a ‘first ready, first connected’ system which it says will prioritise the right homegrown clean power projects, giving them quicker connections, building an energy system able to bring down bills for good far faster.
Streamlining the delivery process for key infrastructure will include the consultation stage being made “less burdensome” and guidance being strengthened for expert bodies and local authorities about their role in the process. National Policy Statements will also be updated every five years, reflecting government priorities for infrastructure delivery.
