Planning reform to enable climate action is not just a technical necessity but a moral imperative – Inside track

This post is by Rachel Solomon Williams, executive director of Aldersgate Group.

The UK government has set out a mission to achieve a fully decarbonised power system by 2030, with a commitment to double onshore wind, triple solar power and quadruple offshore wind capacity. Decarbonising our energy system requires new renewable energy and network infrastructure to power businesses and homes affordably while significantly reducing climate impacts, increasing energy security and protecting our economy, wellbeing and natural environment.

Achieving this vision requires a significant overhaul of the planning system to support the expansion of this vital infrastructure. A new report from Aldersgate Group, RenewableUK and CPRE, the countryside charity, outlines critical recommendations to make the planning process an enabler of this transformation.

A well functioning energy system is the backbone of a sustainable economy. The UK’s energy infrastructure faces pressing challenges, including delays in planning approvals, fragmented policies and barriers to community engagement. Notably, projects under the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) regime now take an average of over four years to receive approval, a stark increase from 2.6 years a decade ago.

Electricity demand will grow sharply in the coming decades under any scenario, reflecting increased electrification of heating, transport and industry, as well as the growth of new heavy users such as data centres. With the need both to increase generation and to deliver a net zero economy, new energy infrastructure will be vital, and enhancing the efficiency of planning processes has become non-negotiable. Addressing these systemic issues in the planning system will not only expedite clean energy deployment but also bolster energy security, economic growth and environmental protection.

The report sets out two major themes: strategic planning and efficiency improvements, both of which aim to streamline energy infrastructure development while ensuring that public and environmental concerns are fully considered.

A clear strategy would raise public and investor confidence
It is vital that the government articulates a clear energy roadmap linking its 2030 and 2050 targets, and the work that the National Energy Systems Operator is doing on its Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (SSEP) will be important in supporting this. Transparent policy frameworks would enhance public and investor confidence and address critical questions about why specific projects are needed. This clarity will also empower local communities to engage constructively in discussions about new infrastructure.

A robust SSEP would enable better co-ordination across projects, reducing cascading challenges and cumulative impacts on local areas. Integrating environmental and energy considerations at an early stage is essential to frontload problem solving and ensure smoother implementation.

Building public support is also essential to ensure efficient processes and enable positive results. A nationwide campaign, led by the government in collaboration with a range of stakeholders, could highlight the benefits of renewable energy, address misconceptions and increase awareness of how communities can actively shape projects.

Lack of capacity and resources is holding up progress
Understaffed statutory consultees and local planning authorities are a critical bottleneck to delivering large energy infrastructure projects. Allocating resources to improve capacity, skills and co-ordination is essential to reduce delays. Centralised hubs for expertise could further streamline decision making. Communities are not homogenous and can lack resources to engage fully. Local authorities and town and parish councils could play a role as ‘honest brokers†or gather evidence on local community views and concerns to support the engagement process; however, this would require adequate resourcing.

Modernising the planning process through digitalisation and the use of advanced environmental assessment tools could also improve efficiency and accessibility. These innovations would make it easier for stakeholders to access data, reducing uncertainty and accelerating approvals.

Solving planning inefficiencies will cut financial risk
Speeding up the deployment of renewable energy can help to generate high quality jobs, enhance productivity and attract private investment. Addressing inefficiencies in the planning system would significantly reduce financial risks for developers, encouraging more robust participation in the sector. With energy supply chains increasingly under global pressure, a faster rollout of renewables can also shield the UK from external shocks. Moreover, achieving net zero isn’t just about reducing emissions, itâ€s about securing a sustainable future for businesses and households alike.

The planning process must not be a source of frustration for local communities and other local interest groups. Transparent communication and meaningful engagement can mitigate opposition, building a stronger mandate for the government’s clean energy agenda.

The recommendations from our Electric Dreams report underline that reforming the planning system is not just a technical necessity but a moral imperative. By embracing strategic planning, enhancing efficiency and fostering collaboration across sectors, the UK can position itself as a global leader in the clean energy transition and bring the public along on the journey.