Local governments speak out about National Grid clean energy delays
Renewable power is on the rise in Britain, but major infrastructure is being delayed due to problems connecting infrastructure.
A fresh warning about the problem has now been issued by the Local Government Association (LGA), which argues that national net zero ambitions are now at risk as a result of the situation. In some cases, developers are being told they may have to wait more than ten years for a connection to the country’s electricity grid.
The report points to several examples, including a solar farm in Coventry that will only be ‘plugged in’ by 2028 at the earliest. Meanwhile, some developments in Dorset will need to wait until 2036 for a connection. Overall, 9,000MwH of clean power could be generated at any one time by all the projects that have currently stalled, with 15,000MwH per day coming from solar schemes alone – enough to power 1.9million homes.
‘Our transition to a secure and sustainable future relies on continued growth in renewable energy,’ said Cllr Linda Taylor, LGA’s environmental spokesperson. ‘It’s fantastic to see a rapid rise in planning permissions for green energy projects. However, the numbers awaiting construction is concerning, with many pointing to delays in securing the grid infrastructure that connects solar panels to kettles. It’s a big challenge and there is a huge effort underway. Councils want to play their full role but need the resources and powers for local energy plans to shape the grid investments so essential to a secure and sustainable future.’
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Image: Josue Isai Ramos Figueroa