Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
The Guardian
Labour told it will need to defeat ‘net-zero nimbys’ to decarbonise Britain
By Richard Partington Economics correspondent,
22 hours ago
The government will need to “take on net-zero nimbys” and ramp up public investment to decarbonise Britain’s homes, transport and electricity system, a leading thinktank has said.
With Keir Starmer promising a rapid transition to decarbonise the power system by 2030, a report by the Resolution Foundation said achieving the target would require more government spending and private investment.
However, the thinktank said projects required to meet the goal – including new solar farms, battery storage, and onshore wind turbines – were likely to face resistance from local groups. It said many renewables projects would take place in wealthier parts of the country, and two-thirds of proposed solar projects would be in the richest 40% of neighbourhoods.
“Doing this effectively will require overcoming opposition to development from net-zero nimbys, who often live in wealthier parts of the country,” said Jonny Marshall, a senior economist at the Resolution Foundation.
“The government must be prepared to win these battles, which won’t be popular with some voters but are vital for the country as a whole.”
The thinktank said options for dealing with the friction could include taking responsibility out of local hands to unblock development, or providing financial incentives to smooth opposition. Alternatively, allowing local opposition could “stymie decarbonisation”.
The Resolution Foundation’s former chief executive, Torsten Bell, who became a Labour MP earlier this month, has criticised politicians who are critical of new energy projects.
This includes the Green party co-leader Adrian Ramsay, who has called for a pause in the construction of electricity pylons in his East Anglian constituency, described by National Grid as “vital infrastructure” for electricity generated by offshore windfarms.
Bell wrote on X last week: “You can be pro-net zero or pro-zero building but not both …”. Ramsay, who is MP for Waveney Valley, has called on the government to consider other options, which he says would be more appropriate.
Last week the watchdog Committee on Climate Change said the new government needed to oversee a ramping up of renewable energy generation or the UK will breach its international obligations under the Paris agreement.
A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson said the government was “wasting no time” in taking action on green energy.
“In just one week, we have swept away barriers to onshore wind farms, consented more solar power than has been installed in the past year and set out plans for a solar rooftop revolution.
“It is also important we listen to people’s concerns, and where communities host clean energy infrastructure they should benefit directly from it.”
Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments. It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency: our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. We strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation. Join us in shaping the news narrative together.
Comments / 0