The government has approved three new solar farms, estimated to provide power for over 400,000 homes. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has given the green light to projects at Mallard Pass in Rutland and Lincolnshire, Sunnica in Suffolk and Cambridgeshire, and Gate Burton in Lincolnshire. According to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), these developments have the potential to generate a total of 1.4GW of power, enough to supply 406,994 households. The combined area of these farms will cover 2,837 hectares.
In a statement, Mr Miliband emphasized the importance of solar power in achieving the country’s goal of net zero emissions by 2030. He stated, “Solar power is crucial to achieving net zero, providing an abundant source of cleaner, cheaper energy on the mission towards 2030.” He also highlighted the quick decision-making process, stating that some of these projects had been on hold for months before his arrival at the department, but he was able to make a decision within three days. This, he believes, is the pace required to achieve energy independence, reduce bills for families, and stimulate green economic growth. He added, “We will make tough decisions with ambition and urgency – all part of our plan to make the UK a clean energy superpower.”
While this news is welcomed by the government, it may not be received well by those living in the proposed areas. The current administration has made it a priority to approve infrastructure projects, setting it apart from the previous Conservative government. Alicia Kearns, the Conservative MP for Rutland and Melton, has already expressed her discontent with the Mallard Pass project and has indicated that she may seek legal action. Taking to social media, she stated, “I am utterly appalled that less than one week into his role, Ed Miliband has approved the Mallard Pass Solar Plant for construction.” She raised concerns about the project’s disregard for community consent, human rights, and food security. Ms Kearns also alleged that the project would support forced labor among the Uyghur population in China’s Xinjiang region, questioning whether the government had thoroughly considered all documents since the election.
The government’s decision letters for the Mallard Pass project acknowledge the need for any supplier to upload their modern slavery and human trafficking statement annually to the Home Office register for monitoring by local planning authorities. As for the Sunnica project, Mr Miliband believes that the benefits of decarbonized power outweigh the permanent loss of food production. Sam Richards, the head of pro-growth group Britain Remade, expressed his delight with the government’s decision, stating, “Once complete, these renewable energy projects will deliver secure and abundant domestic energy to power hundreds of thousands of homes.”
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