A new report on the UK’s approach to the energy transition has called for improvements to the country’s infrastructure policy to help drive renewable energy projects.
According to the new “Mission Zero – Independent Review of Net Zero” report, authored by MP and former Energy Minister Chris Skidmore, the UK needs to make better use of infrastructure to help move toward net zero.
Among its 129 recommendations, the report called for deploying solar and onshore wind across the country and for reforms to the UK’s approach to planning and streamlining processes.
This includes developing a cross-sectoral infrastructure strategy by 2025 to support the building and adaptation for energy sources such as hydrogen to support the green economy.
In addition, the report says the country should reform its planning system so that additional solar and onshore wind can be developed more easily.
Skidmore noted: “My recommendations are designed to make the most of this historic opportunity, covering the length and breadth of our economy, so that people in every part of the country can reap the benefits of this both in their communities, and in their pockets.”
In response to the report, RenewableUK CEO Dan McGrail said: “The review rightly acknowledges that one of the main barriers facing the growth of the renewable energy sector is that it can take six to 10 years for projects to get a grid connection.
“The review highlights just how critical the grid issue is for unlocking investment in the whole clean energy sector and it’s vital that its recommendations are taken forward immediately in the Energy Bill currently going through Parliament – particularly the reform of Ofgem’s remit to incorporate the government’s net zero target.
“To ensure grid capacity is delivered, the government needs to take the same kind of agile and empowered approach as was used for developing the coronavirus vaccine, with the Prime Minister bringing all relevant bodies together to address this urgently.”
He added: “Setting targets for new onshore wind and solar capacity would increase investor confidence and ensure we can decarbonise our electricity system by 2035.”