Renewable Energy: Planning Permission

Question

As set out in the National Infrastructure Strategy, the delivery of high-quality national infrastructure, including clean energy projects, is a key priority for this Government. Through Project Speed, the Government has set the ambition that by September 2023, some projects will be able to go through the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP) process up to 50% faster. Later this year, the Government will consult on reforms to the National Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) regime which will support the improved delivery of green energy projects.

Underpinning these reforms is the Energy Secretary’s current review of the Energy National Policy Statements, which will reflect the policies and broader strategic approach set out in the Energy White Paper and ensure we continue to have a planning policy framework which can support the infrastructure required for the transition to net zero.

As set out in the Net Zero Strategy, we also intend to review the National Planning Policy Framework to make sure it contributes to climate change mitigation as fully as possible, and help bring greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.