New Energy Secretary Ed Miliband pushes to triple solar capacity by 2030 with three new solar farms in an effort to keep green energy at the center of the New Labour government priorities
In a significant move towards boosting renewable energy, the UK Government has approved the construction of three new solar farms in the Midlands, England.
These projects are anticipated to power at least 400,000 homes, marking a substantial step towards the nation’s green energy goals.
406,994 homes powered greenly
Ed Miliband, the newly appointed Energy Secretary, spearheaded the approval of the solar farms located at Mallard Pass (straddling Rutland and Lincolnshire), Sunnica (Suffolk and Cambridgeshire), and Gate Burton (Lincolnshire). These farms will cover a total of 2,837 hectares and are expected to generate 1.4 GW of power, sufficient for 406,994 homes.
“Solar power is crucial to achieving net zero, providing an abundant source of cleaner, cheaper energy on the mission towards 2030,” Miliband stated. He emphasized the urgency of the projects, highlighting that some cases had been delayed for months prior to his tenure.
“They were put on my desk on Monday, and I have made a decision in three days. This is the speed we are working at to achieve energy independence, cut bills for families, and kick-start green economic growth.”
“Achieve energy independence, cut bills for families, and kick-start green economic growth”
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) noted that the energy output from these solar farms will amount to approximately two-thirds of the solar energy installed on rooftops and on the ground in the UK last year.
Solar farms: Expanding renewable energy capacity
The approval is part of a broader initiative by the Labour Government to significantly expand renewable energy capacity. Their plan aims to triple solar power capacity by 2030, double onshore wind capacity, and quadruple offshore wind capacity.
Miliband also expressed his vision for a “UK solar rooftop revolution” on Saturday night, stating, “We will encourage builders and homeowners in whatever way we can to deliver this win-win technology to millions of addresses in the UK so people can provide their own electricity, cut their bills, and at the same time help fight climate change.”
Pushback and criticism of the Sunnica Project
Despite the enthusiasm, there has been some criticism. Richard Rout from Suffolk County Council voiced concerns over the Sunnica project, saying, “The voices of thousands of local residents, businesses, and organizations have not been listened to.
This scheme will permanently and detrimentally impact the landscape of a vast part of West Suffolk and remove thousands of acres of land from food production.”
As the UK Government moves forward with these ambitious projects, the balance between renewable energy expansion and local community impact remains a critical discussion point.
