Miliband targets brownfield land for energy

Energy secretary Ed Miliband has announced plans to expand renewable energy using brownfield sites and public land, as part of wider reforms to protect households from volatile gas-driven electricity prices, potentially taking the pressure off farmland.

Speaking at the National Growth Debate, Mr Miliband outlined proposals to accelerate the rollout of renewable infrastructure such as solar farms across underused public assets, including railway land, industrial sites and previously developed areas.

The announcement forms part of the government’s broader strategy to reduce reliance on international fossil fuel markets and shield consumers from price shocks.

See also: What the biomethane revolution could mean for UK farms

The plans come as ministers seek to “break the link” between gas prices and electricity costs, which has left households exposed during periods of geopolitical instability.

Despite growth in renewable and nuclear generation, a significant share of electricity prices remains tied to gas markets.

Mr Miliband said expanding the use of brownfield land could significantly increase domestic energy capacity.

“Today, we’re going even further, building on public land offers a huge opportunity to fast track the rollout of renewables in this country. For too long, we’ve failed to seize this opportunity,” he said.

Rural impact

However, concerns have been raised about the potential impact on rural areas if planning rules are relaxed.

Campaign to Protect Rural England’s chief executive, Roger Mortlock, said: “We welcome the government’s commitment to make better use of the public estate and support community solar – exactly the kinds of targeted action the Campaign to Protect Rural England has long supported.  

“But rushing through sweeping changes to the planning system to fast-track major grid infrastructure risks letting big developers bypass proper scrutiny and the loss of yet more countryside. 

“We need action to address the climate emergency but this doesn’t need to come at the expense of the communities and landscapes that will live with new infrastructure for generations to come.”

Extra capacity 

The government estimates that using even a fraction of public land could unlock up to 10GW of renewable capacity, enough to power around 5m homes.

Departments including the Ministry of Defence, Network Rail and Forestry England are expected to work alongside Great British Energy to deliver the projects.

Alongside the land use plans, the government confirmed new measures aimed at stabilising energy bills.

These include offering long-term fixed price contracts to low-carbon generators and increasing the electricity generator levy from 45% to 55% to capture excess profits during gas price spikes.