E
nergy is a highly political issue. The net zero target has been a key driver since 2019, and the 2020 energy white paper sets out the roadmap to decarbonise the UK by 2050. The UK hosting COP26 has made energy increasingly newsworthy this year. However, recent gas price rises have made it even more of a hot topic – and one that is one likely to remain on the political agenda for the foreseeable future. CLA branches and council have been debating energy recently because these issues will affect most members in the coming years as we switch to heat pumps and electric vehicles (EVs). More renewable power generation seems the solution to enable this electrified countryside – but can it be done when existing rural grids are so weak?
Rural proofing The CLA’s priority on energy is to ensure rural proofing of policy interventions that affect power, heat, transport and energy efficiency. Energy policy, regulation and incentives are typically urbancentric and either disadvantage rural areas or prevent them from fully contributing to decarbonisation. The Energy Performance Certificate methodology disadvantages traditional solid wall buildings, and many owners cannot meet prescribed Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards, leading some to sell their let housing. Gas grids barely reach the countryside, yet the Climate Change Committee wants to see oil heating phased out from 2026. Wholesale transition to heat pumps and EVs in rural areas is a significant challenge, involving high costs – and rural grids aren’t designed to take the additional
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GRAHAM CLARK CLA FORESTRY AND WOODLAND ADVISER graham.clark@cla.org.uk 0207 460 7925
power demand, which is predicted to double by 2050.
Growing renewables Although renewables provided 43% of our power in 2020, continued expansion, along with nuclear, is necessary – the government wants UK electricity generation to be fossil fuel-free by 2035. Rural areas can play a prominent role in this, as they have the land to host more solar and other renewables. Large-scale battery storage can also help address the intermittency of wind and solar.
Cost However, such developments are controversial locally. Even if the inevitable planning objections can be overcome, the costs of grid connection and reinforcement can kill off many projects early on. The CLA has lobbied on this for years, most recently to Ofgem during its consultation on future grid access and charges for grid reinforcement.
Positive signs Ofgem is considering reducing up-front reinforcement charges for generation connections, and removing them for demand connections. This could boost renewables, improve the viability of farm diversifications and facilitate the rural roll-out of EV charging infrastructure and heat pumps.
Send examples These changes are not secured yet, though. To help strengthen our lobbying, the CLA always needs examples of rural projects being quoted exorbitant grid connection costs, facing long waits or both. The energy challenge is huge, and time is short. Significant investment is required to decarbonise power, heat and transport. The government must also ensure not only that electricity grids can cope with the realities of a net zero future, but also that rural areas are enabled to fully contribute.
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While renewable power generation is seen as a way to help reach net zero, issues remain around grid capacity and investment
Electrifying the countryside
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