Climate, wildlife and energy poverty groups urge government to allow new renewable energy projects in England
A group of 20 climate, wildlife and energy poverty groups including Possible, Community Energy England, the RSPB and The Wildlife Trusts have written to the government urging them to ensure that new clean, cheap renewable energy projects can come forward in England.
The group writes that, in the midst of climate, energy and cost-of-living crises, the government’s refusal to unblock onshore wind and threats to place barriers on solar energy in England “beggars belief” and will harm the climate, the economy and communities.
The letter argues that restrictions will add to household energy costs, maintain the UK’s reliance on expensive, polluting gas, and prevent communities, businesses and farmers across England from developing local energy projects, which could help many stay afloat during the current economic turmoil. Farmers alone could face losses of more than £1 billion over two years from a ban on solar energy.
The letter has been coordinated by these organisations after the Defra secretary, Thérèse Coffey, made comments suggesting that the government could move forward with plans to ban solar energy projects on farmland as well as ahead of a vote on an amendment to the Levelling Up Bill which would see onshore wind unblocked.
Onshore wind and solar are highly popular across the country. 77% of people think the government should use new wind and solar farms to reduce electricity bills and 76% of people support building renewable energy projects in their local area. Conservative voters are particularly supportive, with 81% of 2019 Tory voters supporting a renewable energy project in their area.
The groups warn that policies banning or blocking renewables are out of step with what the UK public wants and with what the economy and the climate urgently need, and flout both international climate commitments and the government’s own net zero policies. All opposition parties are in support of allowing onshore wind in England, only the Conservative party is not. Their 2019 election manifesto made no reference to onshore wind or solar in England, either in support or opposition.
Instead of these bans the groups propose implementing a planning system which would allow appropriately sited wind and solar projects to be developed across the UK, including in England. They call for removal of the blocks on onshore wind projects, and a commitment to no new barriers to solar projects.
Renewable energy projects are essential to achieve the clean economy of the future. Continuing to allow dirty, dangerous and expensive sources of energy for longer than is necessary when clean and cheap renewable energy sources are ready and waiting to go will imperil not only the climate but also the UK’s economic and energy security.
Alethea Warrington, campaigns manager at climate charity Possible, said:
“Onshore wind and solar energy are clean, cheap and popular. Following a summer of record-breaking heat and facing a cold winter of energy blackouts, it should not be possible for the government to even think of banning new onshore renewables in England. If the UK is to hit its vital climate targets, and ensure households can afford to stay warm in winter, we need a rapid transition to clean, cheap renewable energy like wind and solar. Unblocking new onshore wind and ensuring solar energy can come forwards across the UK would cut emissions and insulate communities from the worst shocks of this fossil-fuelled energy crisis.”
Duncan Law, acting co-chief executive of Community Energy England, said:
"At COP27 the Prime Minister acknowledged not only the humanitarian value in addressing climate change through a clean energy transition but also the economic value. Why then are government ministers pursuing the course of shutting down the cheapest, cleanest, and quickest to build domestic energy sources we have - onshore wind and solar? These two forms of energy generation are popular, especially among Conservative voters with 81% supporting a renewable energy project in their area, but also allow communities to take control of the energy transition. The government needs to support, not thwart, local and community-led solutions."
ENDS
Notes to editors:
The letter can be found in full HERE.
For media enquiries and further information please contact press@wearepossible.org or 07806431577.
Alethea Warrington, campaigns manager at climate charity Possible, is available for comment. Please contact press@wearepossible.org for more information.
Possible is a UK-based charity that brings people together to take positive, practical action on climate change. Combining individual and local actions with larger systemic change, we connect people with each other, and communities with ways to address the climate crisis. wearepossible.org.
Community Energy England (CEE) is a not for profit organisation that represents and supports those committed to the community energy sector. CEE was established by the sector to provide a voice for community energy and to help create the conditions within which it can flourish. This is done by increasing the profile of community energy, sharing learning and innovation, and by advocating for supportive policies at national and local levels. communityenergyengland.org/