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A report aimed at expediting major transmission projects in the UK suggests offering “generous” compensation to homeowners who agree to have high-voltage power lines located nearby. Nick Winser, the government’s electricity networks commissioner, stated in the report that this lump sum payment approach could help alleviate resistance to new installations. The report also recommends streamlining the planning and regulatory process, which could reduce the average time it takes to build new electricity transmission projects by half.
With the UK aiming to transition away from fossil fuels towards wind turbines, heat pumps, and electric cars to achieve its net zero target by 2050, a significant expansion of the electricity grid is necessary to facilitate the movement of power where it is needed. National Grid, the owner of Britain’s transmission network, has urged the government to reform the planning system to accommodate this planned overhaul. It is estimated that five times more work will be required on the network in the next seven years than has been undertaken in the past thirty years.
The potential increase in development raises concerns about the local impact of new pylons, overhead power lines, and underground high-voltage cabling. Winser drew reference to the compensation already offered to homeowners affected by infrastructure projects like roads and suggested a similar approach for those affected by high-voltage power lines.
While Winser did not specify the exact amount of compensation, he emphasized the opportunity to provide generous benefits to affected households. He also recommended offering funding to affected communities. Additionally, Winser highlighted the significant cost difference between building overhead lines and underground lines.
Industry experts, including Tom Glover from RWE, the UK’s largest power generator, believe that halving the time required to build the network would have a transformative impact.
This report comes at a time when the government faces criticism for the slow progress towards its net zero carbon emissions target by 2050. The lack of a strategy to triple Britain’s nuclear power generating capacity and slow progress in environmental initiatives have raised concerns.
The energy secretary, Grant Shapps, reassured industry leaders of the government’s commitment to achieving net zero, emphasizing a realistic and rational approach that includes utilizing oil and gas reserves from the North Sea. Sir John Armitt, chair of the National Infrastructure Commission, also welcomed the report, stressing the need for transformational change in the electricity network to support various government initiatives.
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