New findings from the Aldersgate Group, RenewableUK and CPRE highlight the need for improved strategic planning and resources to support the UK’s transition to net zero.
The report emphasises that the current planning system requires significant changes to handle the scale of new energy infrastructure needed.
Challenges include a lack of strategic direction, insufficient resources and inadequate public engagement.
The report notes that effective planning reform is crucial for meeting the government’s 2030 targets, which include doubling onshore wind, tripling solar power and quadrupling offshore wind.
Improved planning should also balance community, environmental and landscape impacts.
Rachel Solomon Williams, Executive Director, Aldersgate Group, said: “Planning reform will play an important role in ensuring that we can deliver the necessary infrastructure to enable the energy transition, but a balance must be struck that works for all parties.”
Ana Musat, Executive Director of Policy and Engagement at RenewableUK, said: “The government’s mission to achieve clean power by 2030 gives us a clear imperative: not just to attract investment in renewables and supportive infrastructure at pace, but also to ensure the planning system enables their timely deployment.”
