Ellie Ames 25 June 2024

Two-thirds of renewables projects fail to pass planning stage

Two-thirds of renewables projects fail to pass planning stage image
Image: David Falconer / Shutterstock.com

Almost two-thirds of applications for renewable energy projects failed to make it through the planning process in the past five years, research has revealed.

Consultancy firm Cornwall Insight found that between 2018 and 2023, 63% of projects in Britain were either abandoned, refused, withdrawn, or expired.

Cornwall Insight infrastructure manager Lucy Dolton said the figures revealed a ‘substantial shortfall’ in the country's attempt to boost renewable energy capacity.

The approval rate remains low despite a rapid increase in the number of renewables applications, according to the consultancy.

This is partly because developers are increasingly submitting multiple applications with the expectation that very few will connect, which slows down the planning system, Cornwall Insight found.

It said the issue of speculative applications must be addressed and the connections process should be streamlined to speed up renewable energy development.

Making payment processes smarter  image

Making payment processes smarter

It can be challenging to find the right software to streamline payment processes. Lewis McKenna-Crisp argues SmarterPay has the ideal solution for councils.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Linkedin Banner