The UK government’s Clean Power Action Plan has been hailed as a “landmark moment” for the energy sector.
Stakeholders in the industry have welcomed measures outlined by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband to achieve the government’s target of clean power by 2030.
RenewableUK’s director of future electricity systems Barnaby Wharton said: “The Clean Power Action Plan will be considered a landmark moment for the clean energy sector.
“Not only do investors have a clear Government target of establishing a lowest cost electricity system dominated by wind and solar, but they now have a roadmap to achieving it.
“It’s great to see the plan set out targets for delivering the batteries, network infrastructure, and flexible technologies that will enable the roll-out of renewable energy, as well as specific targets for wind and solar farms.
“We would encourage the Government to maintain this focus on renewables, collaborating with the sector on industrial strategy to ensure the UK grasps the potential jobs and industrial investment which could come alongside these new clean energy developments.”
The measures revealed today include cleaning up the grid by prioritising the most important projects, speeding up decisions on planning permission and expanding the renewable auction process to stop delays and get more projects connected.
The government says these reforms will unleash £40 billion a year of mainly private investment in homegrown clean power projects and infrastructure across the country, creating new jobs.
Octopus chief executive officer Greg Jackson said: “We welcome the prospect of slashing red tape for grid connections, overturning the onshore wind ban in England and allowing more special offers to slash energy bills.
“Britain’s high energy prices stem from years of bad rules that don’t allow us to build renewable energy in the places it’s needed, or make use of cheap wind when it’s abundant, so these are positive steps.”
Chief executive of NESO Fintan Slye also welcomed the action plan. He said: “We are pleased that our independent advice on how Britain can achieve clean power by 2030 has formed such an integral part of the plan set out by the government today.”
National Gas chief executive officer Jon Butterworth said the action plan “firmly recognises the critical role of the gas transmission system – ensuring a secure transition for households and businesses across the country.”
Energy UK’s chief executive officer Dhara Vyas praised the “ambition” behind the Clean Power Action Plan “because it can accelerate the benefits that will be felt by people across the country through increased energy security, investment, growth and job creation.
“Meeting the goal however is a formidable challenge and can only happen by tackling barriers and delays that will otherwise jeopardise this ambition and which have been constraining the country’s economic growth for some time.”
Head of Siemens Energy and Siemens Gamesa in the UK Darren Davidson said: “We are proud to be part of this clean energy mission and to contribute to the growth of renewable technologies in the UK.”
Meanwhile executive director at Green Alliance Shaun Spiers said achieving clean power by 2030 would be “genuinely transformational for the UK energy system, good for households and good for the economy.”
National Grid chief executive officer John Pettigrew hailed the action plan as an “important next step in clean energy transition, and a focus on agility and speed of reforms will be key.”
Also reacting to the action plan was UK director of public and regulatory affairs at Vattenfall Lisa Christie. She said: “It’s very encouraging for energy developers that the government is doubling down on its net zero commitments.
“Rebuilding the UK’s energy infrastructure will bring jobs and investment, boost our energy security, and help keep bills lower for consumers.”