A NEW government could mean a fresh approach to clean energy development. But if Labour is to fulfil its promise about transforming the energy system, it must take a long hard look at planning headaches and take bold action to purge planning inefficiencies. This has to be a top priority, otherwise the new government can bid farewell to its vision of a zero-carbon grid for 2030.

GB Energy is a revolutionary plan but, rhetoric aside, there are serious troubles on the ground. With most clean energy projects being scrapped during planning due to grid bottlenecks, our antiquated infrastructure urgently needs to be updated to cope with a surge in speculative applications. We also need clarity around how the incoming government will work with the ESO to reap the full benefits of the ‘First Ready, First Connect’ policy.

This impasse has led businesses like us to think beyond the confines of the grid and look for alternative routes to delivering clean energy. For example, behind-the-meter projects bypass the grid, enabling us to directly supply energy-intensive businesses with clean power while reducing the strain on the network. But the future of the industry rests upon the resolution of grid issues and the ability for developers to deliver large-scale clean energy projects.

As renewable energy developers, we absolutely want to see Labour’s vision become a reality and we’re poised to work in partnership with the new government to achieve this. But progress will not be made without addressing the core issues in our grid infrastructure.

Sarah Spencer

Land Manager, Balance Power