Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, is set to rewrite Britain’s planning rules to pave the way for a massive expansion of wind and solar energy, effectively reducing local powers to block or change green energy projects.
Under the proposed changes, wind turbines and solar farms of a certain size will be classified as ‘nationally important infrastructure projects’ (NSIPs), giving them the same priority status as airports and large power stations.
As part of Labour’s Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, any wind farm with a capacity of more than 100 megawatts (MW) – equivalent to around 15 to 20 turbines – would fall under national jurisdiction. This shift will give unelected planning inspectors, rather than local communities and councils, the final say on whether projects go ahead. Solar energy developments that meet these criteria will also follow the same rules, potentially ending an era of local-level control over major renewable energy projects.
The government expects the reforms to unlock around £40 billion of private sector investment every year until 2030 as Britain strives to decarbonise its electricity grid and reduce dependence on imported gas. However, the announcement, published on Friday, makes no mention of Miliband’s pre-election pledge to cut household bills by £300 a year, instead focusing on long-term cost stability and energy security.
Through accelerated approvals, Labor hopes to double onshore wind capacity from 15 gigawatts (GW) to almost 30 GW by 2030, which could mean up to 3,000 new turbines, including larger models up to 250 meters. Solar capacity will also more than triple, from 15 GW to around 50 GW, potentially covering around 800 square kilometers of farmland with panels.
Miliband argued that the reforms are essential if Britain is to achieve full zero-carbon energy by 2030. He said: “A new era of clean electricity offers a positive vision for Britain’s future, with energy security, lower long-term bills and good jobs. ”
Critics warn that the move deprives communities of the right to object, and that they are likely to object more strongly if the government continues with measures to limit legal challenges. The plan hints at removing the “icing on the cake” for Supreme Court reviews, limiting the number of times a project can be challenged once it is approved.
Regional green energy targets are also expected, with each area required to host a certain number of wind and solar farms. Such plans are already causing local discontent: in Cornwall, farmers recently protested against a large-scale solar energy project, and opposition could increase if these rules come into force.
Renewable energy developers, who are largely responsible for meeting the clean energy deadline, will invest billions to achieve these ambitions. While some savings may be possible in the long run, much of the initial cost can ultimately be recouped through customer energy bills.
Claire Coutinho, the shadow energy minister, accused Miliband of failing to deliver on his promise to cut consumer bills by £300 and warned that rushing to a 2030 deadline could push prices up further. “We need cheap, reliable energy and he must put living standards first,” she said.
The announcement comes as recent calm and cloudy weather – described as a ‘dunkelflaute’ – has forced the UK’s electricity grid to rely heavily on gas, highlighting the ongoing challenge of ensuring reliability amid the rapid rollout of renewables.