Since Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, the need for energy security has come into sharp focus. We’ve all been living through one of the consequences of the war - increased energy bills. The recent fall in the average bill is welcome, as was the Conservative government’s Energy Price Guarantee which helped protect households from average bills of over £4,200 during the winter. However, such state intervention in energy bills is unsustainable.
The creation of the new Department for Energy Security and Net Zero demonstrates how seriously our Prime Minister takes this issue. But weening ourselves off foreign gas and generating enough clean energy here at home isn’t simple and will herald a level of construction not seen in generations.
In Suffolk, we are at the forefront of the drive for energy security. We are home to over 10 percent of the UK’s large energy projects, like Sizewell C. Looking at planned projects, East Anglia will generate over 30 percent of the nation’s energy but we only use 6 percent of that. All this energy needs to get to where it’s needed. This is the reason given for schemes like the East Anglia Green pylons, now called Norwich to Tilbury. Another round of consultation has just begun.
As Cabinet Member at SCC, I see at first hand the toll this constant stream of projects is having on our communities. No sooner had parishes finished responding to Sizewell C, they were bombarded with consultations on new inter-connectors, associated substations and cable runs.
Nobody I’ve spoken to disputes the need for energy security. However, the lack of clarity over what is coming and when, the ‘drip, drip’ of projects, lack of clearly identifiable local benefits and - too often - poor consultation, erodes public faith in the process and makes everything harder.
If we’re going to take back power from Vladimir Putin, we need to take communities with us. Suffolk’s communities need a fair deal on energy infrastructure. So how do we get there?
Community benefits, even if they are compulsory, don't go far enough. There must be a new approach, with a fair process and genuine engagement with communities affected by change. This is what is at the heart of the Council's response to the recent government consultation.
The Norwich to Tilbury pylon project illustrates what happens when trust breaks down. Suffolk’s communities and the County Council are waiting for a clear explanation as to why an offshore alternative cannot be delivered. A coordinated offshore approach, that can be delivered on time, will always be the best outcome.
Whatever the outcome on these pylons, three things are essential on all infrastructure schemes: coordination, communication, and fairness. Clear, consistent, and understandable, public information on the projects, both on and offshore, must come from government, National Grid and regulators.
I have spoken with and written to ministers on these issues over the past few years, most recently last month when I met twice with Andrew Bowie, the Minister for Nuclear and Networks.
At a local level, project developers must treat our communities with respect and engage properly.
The recent experience of people in West Suffolk with the Sunnica solar farm is unacceptable. Communities were ignored, the application was poor and rode roughshod over local issues, and nobody could not get clear answers. As I told the Examination, it is the worst National Infrastructure Project I have ever dealt with. Energy security is important but so too is food security. Simply put, we should not be taking over 2,000 acres of agricultural land out of food production for a solar farm. Solar panels have a place and that’s on roof tops and down infrastructure corridors, not on prime farming land. The scheme should be rejected on these grounds alone, not to mention the permanent change to a unique landscape shaped by agriculture and horse racing.
The government recognises local concerns and has been willing to listen. Effective engagement and dialogue have achieved much, but there is still more to do. We need the right projects, in the right place, with jobs, skills and investment secured for our area. Importantly, the communities that host these schemes - like new pylon runs - must feel the benefit, both in their pockets and in the facilities and amenities they’ve access to. There is a strong argument for help with insulation, other energy efficiency schemes and even discounts on bills. However, even this is not enough if communication remains poor.
Our journey to energy security is vital so it’s important we carry Suffolk’s communities with us.
