Utility Week

UTILITY WEEK | 13TH - 19TH MARCH 2020 | 9 News "The government is pressing ahead with action to meet our net zero emissions target quickly and at lowest cost to consumers and businesses. Backing cheap renewables is a clear example of the practi- cal action to tackle climate change that the public is demanding, and this will speed up the transition to a net zero economy. "As one of the UK's cheapest power sources, new onshore wind projects will be a huge boost for jobs and investment in local economies across the UK." Hugh McNeal, chief executive, RenewableUK "[The] announcement marks a major shi‚ in the right direction for government policy on onshore renewables, and a welcome opportunity for the solar industry. "New clean power auctions for Pot 1 technolo- gies will accelerate the decarbonisation of the power sector and drive the shi‚ towards net zero, bringing with it new jobs, cheaper electricity and oppor- tunities closer to home for Britain's highly experienced solar investors. "The government is backing a winner in solar, which is not only the UK's most popular energy technology, but also highly cost-effective and one which offers unique opportunities to enhance local biodiversity and agriculture." Chris Hewett, chief executive, Solar Trade Association "This will send strong and positive signals which will allow industry to invest, plan, and deliver new low- carbon generation at the lowest cost to consumers. To fully unleash the full potential of onshore wind, we would also encourage the government to review planning rules so that applications for new onshore wind turbines in England face a fair and reasonable local planning process and are treated in the same way as other renewable or low-carbon energy projects." Audrey Gallacher, interim chief executive, Energy UK "Generating more electricity from solar panels and onshore wind is one of the simplest ways of cutting energy bills for British families and businesses. Rapid technological development alongside effec- tive policies to lock in long-term low prices mean that building more cheap renewables is good for the climate, for our wallets, and for thousands of small and medium-sized businesses that are behind the UK's renewable revolution. "More onshore wind and solar are vital in creating the clean power system that will underpin the UK as it becomes a carbon neutral nation. By backing technologies that have overwhelming support from the pub- lic, the government has a real opportunity to close the gap on our carbon targets and to set a global example." Dr Jonathan Marshall, head of analysis, Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit "In addition to the CfD auctions for new onshore build projects, SSE Renewables believes that a market design is needed which ensures that existing renewable projects can be repowered, so that already operational clean power isn't lost from the system. This design should include a mechanism that maintains a strong carbon price. "We look forward to engaging with the UK govern- ment in the months ahead to play our part in supporting the development of the next CfD round." Jim Smith, managing director, SSE Renewables "This announcement is recognition that, as Scottish Renewables and others have said for many years, onshore wind and solar PV provide the cheapest way to tackle climate change while delivering economic benefits across the UK. "Scotland, with its enviable wind resource, is already home to the majority of the UK's onshore wind power. We also have the majority of its consented capacity – that is, wind farms with planning permission, which are ready to build today. "Access to the contracts for difference mechanism does not mean subsidy. These most competitive of projects will be delivered at prices far below the wholesale cost of power, with a Scottish Renewables study in 2017 showing they will actually deliver money back to government. "Our robust planning system has already delivered gigawatts of onshore wind while giving communities a say on their construction. We have already called for communities to be involved earlier in the planning process so it's good news that today's announcement will strengthen that principle." Claire Mack, chief executive, Scottish Renewables "Polling shows that a large majority of people support onshore wind, however it is right that the planning system will give communities the final say over new projects in their areas. This is another power- ful example of UK climate leadership ahead of the UN Climate Summit in Glasgow and another major boost to the UK's green economy." Sam Hall, director, Conservative Environment Network "By consulting on reopening the Pot 1 contracts for difference auctions, a long-standing REA ask, the government is showing leadership and commit- ment to meeting the UK's net zero targets. We need to be using all the renewable energy and clean technology at our disposal and Pot 1 offers some of the most advanced and cheapest solutions available. "The benefits of reintroducing these technologies into the auctions will be far-reaching, reducing carbon emissions and consumer bills, and creating green jobs around the UK." Frank Gordon, head of policy, Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA) Industry reaction

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