Onshore Wind Farm Cables 2024-01-16
2024-01-16
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question arises from concerns about the environmental impact of new infrastructure.
What recent assessment has the Government made of the environmental impact of onshore wind farm cables?
The environmental impact is assessed through the consenting process. Minimising potential impacts is a priority, and measures are taken to ensure mitigation at every opportunity.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide recent assessment details
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Flooding, agricultural run-off and pollution have worsened since summer.
What measures do we really have to force wind companies to clean up and repair the countryside after trenching?
The hon. Friend will be followed up on his question today by looking at the regime to ensure proper permissioning and delivery without negative impacts.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific measures for cleanup
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
No planning applications have been lodged since September.
Since the loosening of planning restrictions in September, no planning applications have been submitted. Does the Minister think the Government has succeeded?
In the last contracts round, a lot of onshore wind was successfully brought forward and it remains the largest single form of renewable energy in the UK. However, more projects are needed in England.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not address policy success based on lack of applications
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Onshore wind could save £180 per family if the policy was not in place.
Will the Minister accept reality and repeal the ban to reduce energy bills?
Frustration is shared, but it was under Labour that carbon emissions flatlined. This Government have led in growing renewables.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Attacked previous government instead of addressing the issue
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Government policy is said to prefer overhead lines due to costs.
Will the Minister confirm what National Grid has stated about UK Government policy starting with overhead lines?
Of course, we have moved at pace with reviews and plans. The reason for preferring overhead lines is due to cost; undergrounding can be up to ten times more expensive.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm policy stance directly
Response accuracy