It will take several millennia to hit UK Government green-energy production targets, according to a report from the left-leaning London-based think-tank the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR).
The report, relating specifically to England, finds that at today’s rate of development, it would take some 4,500 years for the country to reach the onshore wind capacity called for by government advisers, adding that it will “fail to become fully energy secure in a net-zero world”.
“At current build rates, we’re as far from delivering the onshore wind we need for energy security as we are from the start of construction of Stonehenge in 2,500 BC,” said Luke Murphy, IPPR associate director for energy, climate, housing, and infrastructure.
In 2015, the government made it so difficult to gain permission for onshore wind turbines that installing new ones became all but impossible, according to the IPPR. In the past eight years, just 17 additional onshore wind farms have been approved, and these can only generate 6.7 megawatts of power – equivalent to just 0.02 per cent of the onshore total needed based on National Grid estimates, the report found.
Murphy said: “The current planning system in England is not remotely fit for purpose to build a net-zero world, restore nature, or meet housing need.
“Fundamental planning reform is needed to accelerate efforts to reduce emissions and restore nature, rollout renewable energy generation, and to deliver the level of housebuilding that the country so desperately needs,” he added.
“Without a reset of the planning system, all the main political parties will fail to deliver on their key objectives, from economic growth to energy security, and addressing the climate and nature crises.”
The IPPR report calls for a reduction in planning restrictions regarding onshore wind and solar power facilities, as well as a requirement for local authorities to identify suitable land for generating such green energy.
UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, promised to ease planning restrictions on land-based renewable energy projects six months ago but the government has yet to take any action.
The IPPR report recommends a complete overhaul of the planning system to increase house building and accelerate progress towards net-zero targets. It suggests integrating decisions on new housing with plans for low-carbon transportation networks, as both sectors contribute significantly to emissions.
The current system’s shortcomings are highlighted by the IPPR, including the lack of clear guidelines for developers and local authorities regarding planning permission, resulting in uncertainty, and speculative land purchases. The report argues for the compulsory formulation of detailed development plans by local authorities that incorporate clear environmental objectives.
It also proposes granting automatic approval to housing projects that meet net-zero targets and local requirements, cutting councils’ ability to turn down such plans.
However, the report also emphasises the importance of involving the public in decision-making processes concerning their local areas, advocating for their greater participation. Reinstating national and local house-building targets is also recommended to compel councils to facilitate the construction of more homes.
The IPPR proposal further points out that new neighbourhoods should align with net-zero goals, contribute to environmental restoration, and foster communities where people actually want to live.
💡| New report: To reach net-zero, England needs to produce 4.5GW from onshore wind by 2030. But at the current rate of progress, we won't reach this level for 4,700 years.
The planning system needs to reform to build a net zero world.
Read more here: https://t.co/BzJWaIO9lb pic.twitter.com/lYVO2ibTpy
— IPPR (@IPPR) June 7, 2023
