UK Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps (pictured) said he will consider the recommendations of Electricity Networks Commissioner Nick Winser’s report before presenting an action plan later this year.
The report says that new power lines can be built in half the time and confirms that, while challenging, speeding up the delivery of strategic electricity transmission lines is “vital and achievable”.
Industry has roundly welcomed the review’s recommendations to reduce current timescales for delivering onshore transmission network infrastructure to seven years to help keep pace with the rollout of renewable energy.
Shapps said: “The UK is leading the world on renewable energy and decarbonising faster than any other country in the G7.
“We must ensure we are taking full advantage of our success and getting the increased supply of homegrown, clean energy that we have at our fingertips to people’s homes and businesses for years to come.
“That is why we asked Nick Winser to carry out this review – I welcome his report and am grateful for his work.
“This is another important step as we continue to reform our energy system to drive down bills, grow the economy and ensure tyrants like Putin can never again use energy as a weapon of war.”