Rural campaigners warn the government not to compromise the UK’s food security in its push for a green energy revolution.
The government published its Energy Security Strategy on Thursday (7 April), which aims to boost domestic energy production and independence amid rising global prices and the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The strategy includes plans to increase the UK’s current 14GW of solar capacity by up to five times by 2035. The government says this will involve consulting on the rules for solar projects, particularly on domestic and commercial rooftops.
See also: Large-scale solar farms a threat to food security, MPs warn
Countryside charity the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) said solar energy was a vital part of the government’s renewables-led revolution.
The CPRE supports renewable energy but firmly believes high-quality agricultural land should remain protected in the National Planning Policy Framework.
However, it remains concerned that the scale of the expansion of solar energy seems likely to industrialise the countryside, rather than heralding a new era of popular rooftop renewables.
Rooftop renewables ‘ideal’
“There is no need to industrialise the countryside, which would generate huge public opposition – particularly when no one would bat an eyelid if solar panels were installed on the roof of every warehouse in the country,” said Tom Fyans, CPRE director of campaigns and policy.
“That’s why rooftop renewables should be the default and solar should be required for all new industrial and commercial developments – with more incentives for homeowners to install solar panels. A modernised network of rooftop renewable energy is a vision the whole nation could get behind.”
⚡ BREAKING: Boris Johnson’s #EnergyStrategy
Solar is a vital part of the renewables-led revolution but there’s no need to industrialise the countryside in the process.
We’re calling for a #rooftopfirst approach to solar. 🏡 https://t.co/D3kruZSqhd
— CPRE The countryside charity (@CPRE) April 7, 2022
The CPRE is urging the government to develop a land use strategy that “balances the need to feed, power and house the country”, while at the same time “enhances our ability to tackle the climate emergency – the biggest threat to the countryside”.
Mr Fyans added: “Our long-term food security, energy security and climate security all need to be prioritised in a rapidly changing world.”
Nuclear energy expansion
Announcing the new energy strategy, prime minister Boris Johnson said it will accelerate “affordable, clean and secure energy” for Britain – from new nuclear to offshore wind – in the decade ahead.
“This will reduce our dependence on power sources exposed to volatile international prices we cannot control, so we can enjoy greater energy self-sufficiency with cheaper bills,” the PM added.
The strategy will massively expand wind, new nuclear, solar and hydrogen energy production, while supporting the production of domestic oil and gas in the nearer term. Under the plans, 95% of Britain’s electricity production could come from low-carbon sources by 2030.
The government will also set up a new government body, Great British Nuclear, to oversee the construction of eight new nuclear reactors on existing sites by 2050 to reduce the UK’s reliance on gas and oil.
