Government plans new bill to accelerate clean energy

A new Energy Independence Bill is being proposed by the Government in a bid to cut costs and strengthen energy security.

The bill, announced in the King’s Speech, aims to give ministers additional powers to accelerate delivery of clean energy technologies and grid infrastructure.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said the bill would be the next step in delivering the Government’s clean power mission.

RenewableUK welcomed the plans and said it would be proposing specific measures including acting on planning delays, changing the tax treatment of wind projects and reducing financing costs.

Chief Executive Tara Singh said: “This Bill is a real opportunity to cut electricity bills and strengthen energy security by further lowering the cost of building renewables.

“The prize of getting this right is cheaper, more secure energy built here in Britain, and less exposure to gas price shocks beyond our control.”