Cabinet undecided over onshore wind ahead of UK energy plan
Ministers have not yet made a final decision about whether to include a renewed push for onshore wind in next week’s energy independence plan, with some in cabinet sceptical about the move, government sources say.
The business secretary, Kwasi Kwarteng, has made clear publicly that he would like to see planning rules relaxed, in order to facilitate the building of more onshore windfarms. Michael Gove, who oversees the planning system, has also spoken out in favour.
However, one cabinet minister said that there shouldn’t be a rush towards onshore wind because it’s “not cost-effective” and is “extremely expensive”.
Some are understood to prefer a push for fracking, despite safety and environmental concerns.
The energy independence plan was announced by the prime minister after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Set to be published next week, it is expected to propose a rapid expansion of nuclear power and accelerated targets for renewables – but it is unclear whether a relaxation of planning rules around onshore wind will be included.
A Downing Street source said: “All options have to be on the table, given global price increases and the need to be self-sufficient – but nothing is decided yet”.
David Cameron’s government tightened planning rules for onshore wind developments in 2014, requiring more local consultation. Sparked by grassroots Tory opposition from communities which saw the turbines as an eyesore, the move has effectively acted as a moratorium.
Eight members of Boris Johnson’s cabinet – including Jacob Rees-Mogg, Steve Barclay, Brandon Lewis, Nadine Dorries, Nadhim Zahawi and Mark Spencer – were signatories to a 2012 letter opposing onshore wind, though a No 10 source said, “I wouldn’t read too much into that”.
At the time,
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