WIREDGOV

The Government recently published its finalised Energy National Policy Statements (NPSs) in order for them to be debated in Parliament. This follows an extensive public consultation earlier this year which received over two and a half thousand responses.

The Energy NPSs provide a clear framework for decision making and set out the need for a surge of investment in new energy sources, including 33GW of new renewable energy capacity. The Nuclear NPS lists eight sites across the country as suitable for new nuclear power stations by 2025.

Charles Hendry, Minister of State for Energy said:

“Around a quarter of the UK’s generating capacity is due to close by the end of this decade. We need to replace this with secure, low carbon, affordable energy. This will require over £100billion worth of investment in electricity generation alone. This means twice as much investment in energy infrastructure in this decade as was achieved in the last decade.

“Industry needs as much certainty as possible to make such big investments. These plans set out our energy need to help guide the planning process, so that if acceptable proposals come forward in appropriate places, they will not face unnecessary hold-ups.

“The Coalition Government is determined to make the UK a truly attractive market for investors, to give us secure, affordable, low-carbon energy. These National Policy Statements are an important milestone.”

Decentralisation Minister Greg Clark said:

"Major infrastructure projects provide a real growth opportunity for this country, will bring billions of pounds of investment and create the bedrock businesses need to thrive in the 21st century.

"These policy statements are an important step in ensuring planning decisions can be made without delay and will boost the reforms the Government is making to the planning system to strip away bureaucracy, give more powers to communities and ensure faster decisions are taken."

The Government’s final proposed Energy NPSs will be debated in Parliament. The date of the debate is subject to confirmation from Parliamentary authorities.

Alongside the NPSs, DECC today published independent research into how noise from wind turbines is assessed in the planning process. In response to the findings, DECC is in discussions with the Institute of Acoustics to establish a working group to develop best practice guidance for planners, developers and local communities.
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Notes for editors