Miliband’s ‘rooftop revolution’ in solar
New Energy Minister unveils plans to fit millions of homes across the UK with solar panels – and approves three massive solar farms blocked by previous administration.
The new Labour government has been quick off the mark to back green energy projects. In the lead up to this month’s general election Labour committed to trebling the amount of solar energy generated across the UK. The King’s speech tomorrow is expected to include initiatives such as the establishment of GB Energy, a publicly owned energy company.
Photo by Nuno Marques
Last week, Ed Miliband, the Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero, gave the go ahead to three massive solar farms, overturning a ban by his Conservative predecessor. These three farms (at Gale Burton Energy Park in Lincolnshire, Mallard Pass Solar Farm on the border of Lincolnshire and Rutland, the Sunnica Energy Farm on the border of Cambridge and Suffolk) will have a combined generating capacity of some 1.35 GW – equivalent to some 10% of the UK’s current solar capacity, and 66% of all rooftop and ground-based solar panels installed across the country last year.
The government are also looking at new legislation on solar-related standards for new-build properties, and at ways to make it easier to install solar panels on existing buildings. This may include revising restrictions on listed buildings and in conservation areas.
Mr Miliband says: ‘I want to unleash a UK solar rooftop revolution. We will encourage builders and homeowners in whatever way we can to deliver this win-win technology to millions of addresses in the UK so people can provide their own electricity, cut their bills and at the same time help fight climate change.’
The announcements have been welcomed by many in the industry – but there have also been objections.
‘I am utterly appalled that less than one week into his role, Ed Miliband has approved the Mallard Pass Solar Plant for construction,’ Alicia Keynes, the Tory MP for Rutland and Stamford, said in a post to X. She argued that the decision was, ‘a slap in the face for all those who value human rights, food security, upholding standards in business, and protecting our agricultural land’ and will consider options including a judicial review.
In response, a government spokesperson says the decision was justified, not least because it will provide green energy to 92,000 homes over the next 60 years.
As we’ve reported before, green energy projects have faced all manner of obstacles and delays, ranging from local objections to problems gaining planning permission or in connecting to the national grid. Those are all still serious issues for the new government. We’ll report on progress…
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