Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Onshore Wind Farm Cables

Tuesday 16 January 2024 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The environmental impact of onshore wind farm cables is assessed through the consenting process with a priority on minimizing potential impacts.
  • Measures to ensure proper permissioning and delivery of wind farm projects without negative impacts are being considered to address cleanup and repair issues.
  • The Minister stated that the Government has successfully brought forward a lot of onshore wind projects in the last contracts round, emphasizing the need for more projects in England.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Duncan Baker
Environment
Context

The question arises from concerns about the environmental impact of new infrastructure.

Question

What recent assessment has the Government made of the environmental impact of onshore wind farm cables?

Answer from Graham Stuart

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide recent assessment details

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Q2 Duncan Baker
Energy Environment
Context

Flooding, agricultural run-off and pollution have worsened since summer.

Question

What measures do we really have to force wind companies to clean up and repair the countryside after trenching?

Answer from Graham Stuart

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific measures for cleanup

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Q3 Alan Whitehead Lab
Energy Environment
Context

No planning applications have been lodged since September.

Question

Since the loosening of planning restrictions in September, no planning applications have been submitted. Does the Minister think the Government has succeeded?

Answer from Graham Stuart

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address policy success based on lack of applications

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Q4 Alan Whitehead Lab
Climate Energy
Context

Onshore wind could save £180 per family if the policy was not in place.

Question

Will the Minister accept reality and repeal the ban to reduce energy bills?

Answer from Graham Stuart

Frustration is shared, but it was under Labour that carbon emissions flatlined. This Government have led in growing renewables.

Not addressed: Attacked previous government instead of addressing the issue

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Q5 Dave Doogan SNP Angus and Perthshire Glens
Climate Energy
Context

Government policy is said to prefer overhead lines due to costs.

Question

Will the Minister confirm what National Grid has stated about UK Government policy starting with overhead lines?

Answer from Graham Stuart

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm policy stance directly

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