Minister for Energy (): Having considered the
responses to the consultation I am pleased today to be able to
present three revised energy National Policy Statements for
parliamentary approval. This represents an important milestone
towards achieving government's Clean Power and net zero
ambitions. National Policy Statements are a crucial part of
ensuring the planning system is fit for purpose. These revised
NPSs provide greater clarity to developers and decision makers on
government policy concerning specific types of energy
infrastructure projects and ensure that decisions are made in an
accountable way by Ministers.
Investment in our nation's infrastructure is key to enable the
growth the UK needs. The revised energy NPSs will ensure the UK
has diverse sources of electricity generation, and that we remain
at the forefront of low carbon technological development.
The revised NPSs I am laying today under Section 9(8) of the
Planning Act 2008 set out national policy in key energy policy
areas:
- EN-1 covers the overarching needs case for different types of
energy infrastructure.
- EN-3 deals with renewable electricity generation.
- EN-5 deals with electricity networks.
- The supporting Appraisal of Sustainability and Habitats
Regulations Assessment provide detailed environmental assessments
of the updated NPSs.
I am today also publishing the Government Response to the
consultation, to which there were over 180 responses, and
providing the Government Response to the ESNZ Committee which
reviewed the NPS updates.
I will deposit copies of all these documents in the Libraries of
both Houses and they are available on GOV.UK.
