Energy Development Proposals Mid Buckinghamshire 2025-02-03

Opened the debate

My constituents face a significant number of major infrastructure projects, including HS2 and East West Rail. The cumulative impact is devastating due to the lack of mechanism within the planning system that allows for the combined effect of such projects to be assessed. This includes rejected energy storage facilities like Statera's 500 MW BESS in Claydons and recently approved solar installations near Ilmer, which disrupt local communities and their daily lives. The proposed Acorn Bioenergy anaerobic digester at Long Crendon threatens local roads and villages with excessive lorry movements during construction and operation, highlighting the lack of consideration for rural areas.

Government Response

I thank Joy Morrissey for securing this debate. While acknowledging his concerns about the cumulative impact of infrastructure projects, I emphasise that building a clean power system requires both renewables and nuclear energy. The Government are launching the strategic spatial energy plan to better manage these challenges and ensure national food security alongside necessary infrastructure developments. We recognise the need for balanced approach to energy security while addressing local impacts. The Minister acknowledged the hon. Gentleman's points about the importance of managing infrastructure projects effectively. He noted that previous Government’s mismanagement had led to an excessive number of zombie projects in the connections queue. The Department has announced reforms aimed at prioritising key energy security projects and freeing up space for demand-side projects, with more details expected from NESO and Ofgem soon. On Rosefield solar farm, while it is currently pre-application stage, the Minister could not comment further due to legal constraints but stated that landowners have voluntarily sold their land for these projects. He reiterated that although Government encourages clean power systems, specific project decisions are made by developers in consultation with communities. The planning process aims to be efficient yet robust, ensuring community voices are heard without undue delays. Regarding battery storage, the Minister emphasised its crucial role alongside long-duration storage for balancing the electricity system and reducing costs. Specific projects like East Claydon must go through local council approval processes, respecting all legal rights of appeal. For rooftop solar, there's a dual approach to maximise opportunities while preserving food security by minimising land use conflicts. The Government reconvened a solar taskforce to enhance community benefits from hosting infrastructure. On small modular reactors (SMRs), the Minister highlighted nuclear’s critical role in providing baseload power and skilled jobs, moving forward with previous commitments inherited but now pushing for progress.